Prevent Mosquito-borne West Nile Virus
The Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health are urging state residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne West
Nile Virus by taking some simple steps to reduce populations of the insect on their own properties.
Late summer and early fall are typically the most critical times of the year to be aware of the potential for the dangers of contracting West Nile Virus from mosquito bites. Mosquito activity can continue until late October. Mosquitoes also can become more active throughout the entire day at this time of year.
Concerns are elevated this year because of increased mosquito activity due to weather conditions that have been ripe for mosquito breeding, and which could increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus.
The DEP offers the following tips on how to limit mosquitoes on your property:
Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated. The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this country. Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left out of doors. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis. Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts more than four days. Maintain mechanical barriers, such as window and door screens, to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. Barriers over rain barrels or cistern and septic pipes will deny female mosquitoes the opportunity to lay eggs on water. If you have problems controlling mosquitoes, contact your county mosquito control agency by calling 888-666-5968.
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