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Worried About Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus?
We have some tips to limit exposure to these pests.
The easiest way to control mosquitoes around the house is by eliminating their potential breeding sites:
Dispose of water holding containers, including tires. Drill holes in remaining containers.
Empty and replace water in troughs and bird baths regularly.
Clean roof gutters.
Turn over plastic pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Landscape to eliminate standing water.
Aerate ornamental pools and add fish. The fish will eat adult mosquitoes and their larvae.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use.
Tips to limit exposure of people and animals to mosquitoes:
Know when mosquito season is in your area.
Assure that windows are fitted with intact screens.
Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.
Wear protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves.
Use mosquito netting around infants when outdoors.
Use mosquito repellants applied to the skin, or permethrin applied to clothing or tent fabric.
Use K9 Advantix on your dog as repellant (protects against fleas and ticks as well).
Other measures to protect you, your family and your community:
Eliminate nesting sites for birds in barns and stables. Sparrows are particularly good reservoirs for West Nile Virus.
Consult with local governments, health departments, or mosquito control/abatement authorities to determine peaks of activities and alerts regarding potential mosquito "blooms." Contact Rich Grossman with the Health Department at 970-498-6790.
Report what appears to be greater than average numbers of dead birds to the local surveillance personnel. Contact either Wildkind at 970-226-3647 ext. 122, or the Centers for Disease Control at 970-221-6400.
Maintain the health of companion animals. Animals whose health is compromised are at far greater risk of developing disease.
Information provided by Byron Blagburn, PhD
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Member Since 1983
