Discarded tires can be a perfect place for certain female mosquitoes to deposit their eggs. The thick, rubbery composition of tires helps provide insulation and protection for the eggs. If the tires have been sitting for a period of time they can collect vegetative debris, in addition to water, providing food for the growing mosquito larvae.
Why is this bad?
The Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, and yellow fever. Culex species can spread West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. These mosquitoes are commonly found around tire piles.
What you can do to prevent mosquitoes from growing..
- Properly dispose of old tires. Lee County Solid Waste will pick up two (2) tires per week on normal pick-up days, at no additional charge.
- Store unused tires in an enclosed area to prevent the accumulation of water.
- Treat tires with Bti granules or briquettes to kill mosquito larvae (can be purchased at any hardware store).