Benjamin Oliver Hicks/Staff
George Marcel of Cajun Mosquito Control collects a sample of mosquitoes to be tested at LSU for diseases Friday after he caught them in traps in Terrebonne Parish.
Cajun Mosquito Control in Houma wants residents to know the best ways to reduce the risks of mosquito breeding.
During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which is today through Saturday, the company is taking the opportunity to educate the general public about the significance of mosquitoes and the service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States.
One way the company is reaching out to educate residents is through visiting local schools, Cajun Mosquito Control Manager Randy Marcel said.
Were preparing to go out to the schools. Well have brochures with information about how to reduce mosquito breeding and preventative measures, he said. Well actually bring samples of mosquito larvae and different mosquitoes to identify.
Another way the business combats insects is by frequently changing and setting mosquito traps throughout the area. There are 17 mosquito traps that are rotated between 39 sites in Terrebonne Parish each week. One trap can capture 100 to 1,000 mosquitoes.
Once captured, the insects are sent off to a lab at Louisiana State University where they are tested for various mosquito-spread diseases, such as St. Louis encephalitis, the West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Marcel added that there hasnt been any mosquito-borne disease reported so far this year.
However, while tests havent revealed any threats, locals should still be proactive in mosquito management. A simple way residents can reduce the number of mosquito-breeding sites in or around the home is by draining standing water.
Items such as pet water bowls, horse and cattle water troughs, bird baths, plant bowls, unused swimming pools, buckets, kids toys, ice chests or any other container that retains water should be emptied every three to five days or directly after rainfall, Cajun Mosquito Control owner Jessie Boudreaux said.
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Company offers mosquito advice