I would like to assure all that the Department of Environmental Health Services' (DEHS) vector control efforts (fogging) are ongoing and will continue as weather permits.

We have now begun the hurricane season for 2013 and have been experiencing a lot of rain in the past few weeks beginning with the torrential down pour resulting in the flooding of certain areas around New Providence. There has also been flooding report from some of the Family Islands. While the DEHS is doing its endeavour best to continue its regular vector control exercises, the weather of late has not been cooperative. The chemicals used to control mosquitoes and other pests will not be effective unless weather conditions are conducive. This chemical is most effective when it makes contact with the pests and insects, therefore it should not be used during rain or in winds above ten miles per hour.

In the wake of the large amount of rain that we have been experiencing, DEHS would like to give a few tips on how members of the public can control the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests in and around their homes. • Keep water containers properly covered • Remove all car tires from your yards • Keep garbage bins tightly covered • Discard containers that can collect water around homes • Keep gutter free of leave and twigs • Store bottles upside down or be sure that they are tightly covered

Persons should also use mosquito repellants and or household sprays, coils and other products made for the ridding of pests if there is a problem. When spraying in the home, for best effect, be sure that the windows are closed and leave the room for ten to fifteen minutes before reentering the room. Also please ensure the all window screens and or screen doors are intact.

Should weather conditions permit, the DEHS vector control department has scheduled ground fogging from June 3 to June 6th which would cover all the accessible areas of New Providence.