(June 27, 2023) -- Mosquitoes are a common irritant in the spring and summer months in the Sikeston area and this year is no different. While the City of Sikeston is working to quell as many mosquitoes as possible, residents can also do their part as well.

Darren Martin, Sikeston street supervisor, said the city started spraying for mosquitoes the last week in May and will typically continue through September. Some spraying is done in the early morning hours while many residents are sleeping while additional spraying is done in the evening.

Also, during the first of May, Martin said the city employees placed briquettes around the first of May in the places it is believed mosquitoes lay eggs.

“The briquettes help kill mosquitoes before reaching adult stage,” Martin said.

Main breeding for mosquitoes takes place in areas holding stagnant water, storm water basins, ponds, lakes, moisture pockets in ditches, tall weeds and grass, old tires, etc.

Martin said residents can help with mosquito control by emptying anything around their homes that may have standing water, such as buckets and cans.

“Also, if you have a bird bath, replace the water once a day,” Martin said. “A lot of the time if you have a mosquito problem in your yard, there’s a good chance a neighbor has something sitting around with stagnant water.”

For more information on how to keep mosquitoes from your property, visit here.