Gloucester’s mosquito control program would not be effective in combating the Zika virus, according to Gloucester’s county administrator Brent Fedors. In speaking with Dr. Ted Tweel, director of the Three Rivers Health District, Fedors said the problem lies in combating the types of mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Specifically, the types of mosquitoes that carry Zika are day-flyers, Fedors said. “They reproduce in standing water in containers; not so much in standing water in the ground,” he added.

“Prevention is very much a matter of community and personal responsibility,” Fedors said. There should be a focus on eliminating standing water in containers and using personal protection to avoid being bitten.

Tips to combat the virus include draining standing water from garbage cans, house gutters, downspout extenders, pool covers, coolers, toys, even bottle caps and pets’ water bowls. Fedors also suggested discarding junk tires that may be lyi...