Marion County Public Health Department

wishes you a happy Earth Day!

A couple of our departments have provided information for you to think about while approaching Earth Day on April 22nd !

Mosquito Control

Did you know that everyday items left in your backyard can attract mosquitoes? Mosquitoes breed their eggs outside in areas of standing water. You might be surprised to learn that it only takes a couple of weeks for a mosquito’s larvae to develop into an adult mosquito. Here is a short list of items that collect standing water outside the home:

A white dipper full of mosquito larvae. The dipper is a tool used in surveillance of immature mosquito larvae in their natural habitat.

• Pet water bowls

• Small children’s pools

• Bird Baths

• Bottle caps

• Soda cans/ containers

Other items you may not have thought about…

• Tires

• Pot Holes

• Tree Holes

• Rain gutters

Make sure that you empty and discard any items that may collect water and refresh the water in items like bird baths and children’s pools weekly. Most mosquitoes bite around dusk and dawn, but some will bite during the daytime. If you are going to be outside when mosquitoes are active wear long sleeves and long pants, dress in light colored clothing, and apply insect repellent with a CDC-recommended active ingredient (DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin).

Food & Consumer Safety Department

 Here are a few tips on fruit & veggie handling:

Prep the Kitchen—Before preparing fruits and vegetables, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds! Use hot water and soap to clean your cutting board, countertop and utensils.

Use Water—Thoroughly rinse fresh produce under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten.  Packaged fruits and vegetables labeled “ready to eat,” “washed” or “triple washed” do not need to be washed.  Never use detergent or bleach to wash fresh fruits or vegetables.  These products are not intended for consumption.

Scrub Thoroughly—Rub firm-skin fruits and vegetables under running tap water or scrub with a clean vegetable brush while rinsing with running tap water.

For any concerns or complaints regarding food safety in food establishments in Marion County, contact the Food & Consumer Safety Department at 317-221-2222 or use our online form at  http://marionhealth.org/program-complaint-forms/