Mosquitos are one of the deadliest creatures in the world. They can carry and transmit several diseases, including West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, posing a major risk for the public.
Stormwater infrastructure, specifically full-trash capture devices, are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vectors as they provide an environment with nutrient-rich stagnant water. And with thousands of trash capture devices per California county, it’s critical that these systems are designed and maintained to reduce mosquito breeding potential.
The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) performs routine inspections and provides treatment services to keep mosquitoes and other vectors out of stormwater infrastructure. They’re responsible for performing tens of thousands of these inspections and treatments per season, so it’s imperative they have easy access into the stormwater system. If your stormwater system isn’t easily accessible (e.g., your trash capture device requires complex dismantling), you may be fined.
Additionally, the California Water Board has made it a requirement for trash capture devices to be easily accessible for mosquito control groups.
What does this mean for you? As a property owner, you’re responsible for making sure your trash capture device is easy for MVCAC to inspect and treat.
When you work with SWIMS, this process is a breeze. StormTek, our exclusive full-trash capture device, was designed with mosquito control in mind. With easy access that makes inspection and maintenance quick and simple, StormTek gives you one less thing to worry about.
Here are some additional tips to keep mosquito breeding to a minimum:
- Prevent any extra runoff entering your stormwater system, especially from sprinkler or irrigation systems
- Inspect your stormwater system often to make sure there isn’t any standing water or mosquitos
- Keep up with maintenance of your full-trash capture device to make sure any debris or trash is cleared
- Double-check with mosquito and vector control professionals during the construction and design of your stormwater system
Is your stormwater system designed to be compliant with MVCAC’s requirements for easy access? Schedule your free inspection with SWIMS here.
Schedule Your Free Inspection Now