I caught up with DC Health this morning and we're updating our catch basin treatment approach.
Catch basins are still a critical problem — and we're shifting our approach to give DC Health the data they need to advocate for expanded resources and staffing. Instead of treating them ourselves, we should submit complaints to DC Health. Their slow-release larvicides last 60-90 days (vs. consumer products that need reapplication every few weeks), and they have the training to make the best decisions about treatment. So far this season they have treated 100% of incoming complaints... but we know there is massive underreporting. Every submission helps build the case for the resources they need citywide.
New approach: When you spot a catch basin, sewer grate, or structure with standing water (examples), either:
We'll share all reports with DC Health every 2-3 days so they can treat whole areas together efficiently rather than scattered individual treatments — and we can problem-solve together if they get overwhelmed. Best case: they handle everything with their superior products and expertise. Worst case: we reconvene in a month and figure out other options together.
With all the rain this week, standing water will be easy to spot. Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in as little as five days, so getting ahead of it matters.
Thanks for helping us tackle the mosquito hotbeds and build the evidence we need for better mosquito prevention resources!
Michelle
Itty Bitty Mosquito Population Committee ittybittymosquitocommittee.org ittybittymosquitocommittee@gmail.com
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