Abandoned properties may present more than just an eyesore in a neighborhood. They can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and an attractive nuisance to transients and vandals.

Some reports relate an increase in West Nile Virus outbreaks to the sharp increase in forclosures. Realtors have been notified to report “green” swimming pools to local mosquito and vector control agencies. The green color comes from organic matter or bacterial growth. Any standing water can become a mosquito breeding ground.

Neighbors would do well to heed this advise, too. You know the neglected homes in your area. Since I’ve been hip to the West Nile Virus warning, I’ve noticed standing water even in the yards of inhabited homes — primarily renters and our elderly neighbors.

Standing water is defined as any water standing for seven or more days. Common sources are trash cans, bird baths, wading pools, toys, and rain gutters. Keep an eye out. You’ll be surprised where water will collect.

If you notice standing water, let the residents know about the mosquito issue. They’ll probably thank you. After all, they don’t want to be bitten either.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 14th, 2007 at 1:40 am and is filed under Real Estate, Disaster Preparedness, Landscaping, Foreclosure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.