"The Swamp Thing" is fun at Halloween, but not when the property you are attempting to sell has a pool that looks like it could be home to "The Creature From The Black Lagoon". What might be lurking in that neglected pool on the property or in an adjacent property that has been left vacant?
Neglected swimming pools can breed thousands of potentially disease-carrying mosquitoes. As a preventative measure, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requests that real estate agents who regularly access unoccupied and for sale homes report any neglected pools to the local mosquito and vector control agency. This will help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus transmission.
If you identify a neglected pool, call your local mosquito and vector control agency. Neglected pools can be reported anonymously. You can find your local agency on the California WNV website (www.westnile.ca.gov) on the right side under "locate your local mosquito and vector control agency or call 1.877.968.2473. The agency will take the information and follow up to address the issue. If there is no local mosquito and vector control agency in your area, contact your local environmental health department or your local health department to report the issue.
What is considered "standing water" around a home?
Water that stands for a minimum of 7 days. Common sources include: Bird baths, trash cans, boats, hot tubs, wading pools, aquariums and swimming pools.
What is a neglected pool?
A neglected pool has abundant organic matter or bacterial growth, often with leaves or other debris, resulting in green to blackish-colored water.
You may find additional info about West Nile Virus and mosquito control at www.westnile.ca.gov. You may also call 1.877.968.2473 (1.877.WNV.BIRD) for additional info about mosquito control. See Mosquito Control by Public and Private Entities in California: Question and Answers on the California Department of Public Health WNV website at www.westnile.ca.gov/resources.php. and www.westnil.ca.gov/wnv-faqs-basics.php?id=25.
In Lake County you can report neglected pools to Lake County Vector Control District at 707.263.4770 0r [email protected]
By your taking action on an abandoned pool, in no time at all, the potential buyer will envision poolside parties and relaxing in their beautiful spa instead of re-enacting a scene classic horror scene where a creature rises to terrorize their family!