The Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch enjoyed a presentation about how to stay safe from mosquitoes and ticks in the summer.
Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch’s June meeting was a small one, but that didn’t bug anyone present.
The group was visited by representatives from Department of Public Health Division of Disease Control, who gave advice on how to handle ticks and mosquitoes in the sunny weather.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile, Dengue and Zika. Peak season lasts from May to October. Mosquitoes lay their eggs anywhere with standing water, including leaky hoses, buckets and barrels, potted plant saucers, clogged rain clutters and ponds.
The department recommends dumping standing water weekly and keeping screens in all of your windows. They can also breed in litter like chip bags and soda cans, so be sure to keep outdoor areas clean.
Deer ticks are commonly found in Philadelphia and can carry many diseases, including Lyme disease. Ticks cling to tall grass and heavily wooded or brush areas year-round waiting to cling onto passing ankles, but are most common April through October.
The department recommends keeping grass low and making sure to take showers and do full body checks within two hours of being outdoors.
In other news:
• A License and Inspections worker involved in FCTW recounted how he was threatened while removing illegal signage from the neighborhood. The signs advertise “new batteries” for $45. The incident was reported to police.
• Joe Staszak, community relations officer for the 7th Police District, said there were three auto thefts, including stolen tire rims. There was also one residential burglary, and two residential burglary attempts.
• The 7th District Second Annual Community Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at 1701 Bowler St. It will feature first responders from the police and fire departments and have vehicles on display. There will be mounted patrol, information tables, refreshments, VIM etching, baskets and giveaways and a DJ.
• This was FCHA President George Bezanis’ last meeting for a year as he travels to visit family. VP Kate Friend will fill his role.
• The next meeting will be held July 11 at 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
