By Gary Burgin, Pennsauken Township Building Department

Warm weather has finally come to the area and with it the scourge of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but can carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika viruses. Breeding grounds for mosquitoes are anywhere there are still waters. Common breeding areas include bird baths, old tires, or open containers such as cans, jars, and bottles that can hold as little as an ounce of water. Hollow trees, water gardens, ponds without fish, and other large bodies of standing water are culprits as well. Even wading pools and drainage ditches can be hosts for mosquito larva.

Pennsauken Township has launched an aggressive campaign to remove stagnate water in abandoned pools and ponds. Each property that has an abandoned pool or pond will be posted and given five days to remove the water. If they do not, then Public Works will pump out the water and a bill will be given to the owners, followed by a lien if the bill is not paid. The Camden County Mosquito Commission will treat any residual water left after the pumping has been completed.

The properties that have been targeted to date are: 6956 Walnut Ave., 6517 Chestnut Ave., 5646 Birch Ave., 6182 Amon Ave., 8467 Haines Rd., 5322 Florida Ave., and 7718 Tripoli Ave. If there are other abandoned properties with pools, please contact the Building Department at 856-665-1000, ext. 130 or 131 to report them.

Here are steps you can take to help:

Dispose of any containers in your yard that may collect water. Fill in holes in trees and stumps that hold water. Drill holes in the bottom of tire swings, recycle containers, and trash cans for drainage. At least once a week, empty standing water from containers, including bird feeders. Make sure your gutters are clean and the water is not pooling in them. Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, and uncovered boats so they cannot accumulate water.

No matter how tight a cover is, they can accumulate water on top of the cover or its folds. Check them and remove any water found there. If you have a pool that you are not using, clean and chlorinate it.

With a little time, effort, and vigilance, you can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds from around your home, which will allow you to enjoy the outdoors.

For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission by calling (856) 566-2945 or e-mailing skeeters@camdencounty.com.