Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, malaria, Yellow Fever, and Zika virus.  The best way to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses like these is to avoid mosquito bites.

Norwalk Mosquito Management Plan

The Health Department uses an integrated pest management approach to protect residents against mosquitoes and the various viruses they can spread. This includes surveillance, source reduction, and public education.

Mosquito Surveillance

NHD works with state officials who monitor the mosquito population throughout the state. The CT Agricultural Experiment Station monitors two mosquito trapping locations in Norwalk at Cranbury Park and Rowayton School. This monitoring allows NHD and state officials to gauge the local mosquito population and take appropriate prevention measures based on population estimates.

Source Reduction

NHD contracts with an outside agency to conduct an annual larvicide program to reduce the mosquito population. In the summer months, workers apply larvicide to various standing water locations and catch basins around the city. This application prevents mosquito eggs from hatching. Residents can also help reduce the mosquito population with some of the tips below.

Public Education

NHD encourages residents to take steps to minimize mosquitoes around their homes and protect themselves from mosquito bites. 

• Apply mosquito repellent before going outdoors.
• Cover bare skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Drain stagnant, standing water around your home in places like old tires, birdbaths, wading pools, garbage can lids, and even cans in recycle bins. (Standing water is breeding ground for mosquitoes from late May until first frost.)
• Keep gutters and leaders free of debris.
• Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Do not leave swimming pools uncovered without chlorinating and filtering.