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1. What does the City of Hampton do to control mosquitoes?

The Department of Environmental Services uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to mosquito control. This approach utilizes many methods to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels. The city employs a team that looks for mosquito breeding habitats and uses environmentally friendly pesticides with any water where mosquitoes are found breeding that cannot be dumped. Surveillance is done throughout the year to gather population levels in order to focus control efforts in specific areas. In extreme cases of mosquito population levels, truck-mounted ULV sprays are performed after dusk to reduce mosquito numbers while keeping beneficial insect levels safe.

2. Are mosquitoes a major concern in Hampton?

While mosquito-borne disease cases in Hampton are generally low, mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are endemic to this area. Precautions such as using protective sprays, dumping standing water around the house, and reducing time spent outside during peak mosquito activity should be used during the warm seasons.

3. What can I do to reduce the amount of mosquitoes in my backyard?

One of the most common mosquitoes in the Hampton Roads area is the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). This species primarily lives around houses, especially in dense neighborhoods. They breed in artificial containers and have a very short flight range. The best way to enjoy the outdoors without mosquitoes is to make sure to dump any standing water. Mosquitoes are very sneaky and can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water. Common breeding spots around the house are: flower pots and trays, fish or wading pools, children’s toys, old tires, gutters, buckets around the home or garage, and tarps used as a rain cover. These places are very common among neighborhoods and should be checked or dumped at least once a week.

4. Can my pets get any diseases from mosquitoes?

The Dog heartworm parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) is endemic throughout our region. The parasite is usually attributed to dogs, but can affect other mammals such as cats, foxes, ferrets and, in extremely rare cases, humans. If you have pets that live or spend much time outside they should be treated with heartworm prevention medicine, carried by veterinarians. Pets should also be given mosquito, tick and flea medicine on a regular basis to reduce the risk of your pet contracting West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. There is currently a horse vaccine for encephalitis, and owners should contact their local veterinarian for information.

5. What are some of the other pest problems here in Hampton?

Hampton is home to more than 35 different species of mosquitoes; several species of biting flies (Horse Fly, Deer Fly, Beach Fly etc.); ticks (Lone Star, Blacklegged Deer, Gulf Coast and American Dog); venomous spiders (the Black Widow and Brown Recluse), stinging pests (Yellow Jackets, European Hornets, Paper Wasp etc.); subterranean and powderpost termites; several ant species (Pavement, Pharaoh, Carpenter, Yellow, Fire etc.); three venomous snakes (Copperhead, Cottonmouth and Canebrake rattlesnake); rats and mice (Norway, Roof, Field and White footed). These are just a few of the many different pests that can affect someone in the Hampton Roads area.

6. What should I do if I am bitten by something venomous?

Immediately call 911 and ask for assistance. If you don’t have a phone, go directly to a hospital for assistance. All the venomous snakes in Hampton can be life-threatening, so immediate medical treatment is necessary. The venomous spiders in Hampton are not considered life-threatening, unless a person is allergic, young or elderly; the bite from both spiders can be very painful and have serious complications, always seek medical attention.

7. How can I reduce the chance of a poisonous spider bite?

The most effective way to avoid having a spider habitat is to keep areas clean, dry, and free from debris and litter. Most spiders prefer remote, dark, and damp areas where they can trap or ambush prey. Residual insecticide sprays and repellents are not very effective keeping spiders away, so double check when you are not sure of an area. Woodpiles, garden hoses,spigots and flower pots are prime areas for venomous spiders.

8. How can I reduce the chance of snakes on my property?

The Hampton area is surrounded with natural vegetation, swamp and marshlands that are perfect snake environments (venomous and non-venomous). As with spiders, snakes need habitat to hunt, feed, and to hide from predators. Tall grass, woodpiles, unkempt landscapes, organic and inorganic debris offer the safety and structure that snakes require. Keeping your property clean and orderly helps greatly. Another way to eliminate snakes is to eliminate their food source. if you have bird feeders, for example, they attracts birds and birds attract snakes that will feed off the bird eggs or the birds themselves. Not cleaning up after your pet will attract rats and mice, which will attract snakes. Becoming proactive is the best snake deterrent.

9. How can I remove stinging insect pests from my property?

If you have a honey bee swarm in your yard call 311 to have a local beekeeper or technician come and safely remove them. Otherwise vigilance when policing your yard and addressing any potential pest problem is the easiest and least expensive safeguard. Brooming away small wasp nests from under the porch or burying a newly established Yellow Jacket hornet nest in the soil are good examples. There are several safe products on the market to eliminate wasps and hornets from around the home. Always read the directions and have an escape route planned ahead of any application. If a person has a history of allergic reactions to stinging insects, call an exterminator to avoid potential health risks.

10. How can I keep ticks out of my yard or property?

Typically if you don't own a pet, ticks won’t be too problematic. If pets are owned, keeping them updated on tick and flea prevention will help immensely. There are several products carried at local hardware stores that can be applied to a lawn, through a water hose, that will give up to one month protection per application. If a property is located in a suburban setting ticks will be more prolific due to wild animals such as deer and small mammals. In these situations insecticidal yard applications and repellent are recommended to reduce any possible tick bites. Remember any insecticide applications will affect not just the target ticks, but other beneficial insects too. Always use caution and common sense when applying any pesticide.