VALDOSTA – During the summer months, it is common to see a lot of rain in South Georgia. 

Many mosquito problems in neighborhoods are likely to come from water-filled containers that residents can help to eliminate, city officials said in a statement. All mosquitos require water to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around houses.

Here are a few tips from the City of Valdosta Public Works Department:

• Dispose of any tires. Tires can breed thousands of mosquitos.

• Clear roof gutters of debris.

• Clean pet water dishes regularly.

• Check and empty children’s toys.

• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

• Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.

Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed mosquitos. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs (bottles, barrels, buckets, flower pots, etc.)

Here are some natural plants that repel mosquitos:

• Citronella.

• Lemon Balm.

• Catnip.

• Marigolds.

• Basil.

• Peppermint.

• Rosemary.

The City of Valdosta Public Works Department operates a spraying program on a four-day cycle throughout the city with spraying five days a week, if needed, at dusk. Spraying typically begins in early April.

Larvicide tablets are available for free to city residents who maintain their own privately-owned bodies of stagnant water, city officials said.

In addition to the spraying program, the City of Valdosta, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and the South Health District have had a joint mosquito surveillance program in place since 2001, working with Valdosta State University to collect and test mosquitoes. To aid in the city’s surveillance program, mosquito traps are strategically located throughout the city limits.