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Pools at foreclosed homes becoming mosquito hatcheries
Technicians with Hernando County Mosquito Control investigate a pool for mosquito larvae.
HERNANDO COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Foreclosed homes aren't only a sign of economic downturn; they're aiding a major nuisance.
Pools at the homes are becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes. And right now there are about 946 foreclosed homes in Hernando County.
On average, mosquito control has to deal with 10 or more pools in a week.
"We're finding more and more, getting more calls," said Joe Cheer, a technician with Hernando County Mosquito Control.
Cheer said if screens are ripped the mosquitoes can get to the water and mate. Once they take to the air they can spread for miles.
Mosquito control does have a secret weapon in their arsenal. They put fish in the pools to eat the mosquito larvae before they can hatch.
"This way we're not dumping the chemicals, and they stay established because most of our chemicals only last a month," Cheer said.
Jeanette Mundt lives next door to such a pool. She was glad to see it taken care of.
"To know that it has been properly treated, my goodness that's a relief," Mundt said.
Cheer said this is a battle that won't end anytime soon.
Mosquito control officials said it's important for residents to check for standing water and get rid of it. They said water often gets trapped in gutters, which can be another breeding ground.
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