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West Nile Virus is a disease that is
spread by infected mosquitos. So the best defense against the West Nile
Virus is not giving them a place to breed. Here are some things you can do around your home.
· Dispose of tin
cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers
that have collected on your property. · Pay special attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires are where most mosquitoes breed.
·
Drill holes in the bottom of recycling
containers left outdoors.
·
Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every
year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency
to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes
each season.
·
Turn over plastic wading pools when
not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes
to breed.
·
Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let
water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic
mosquitoes.
·
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them
with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are
allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A
swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce
enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes
may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers. It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
·
Take normal steps to prevent insect
bites.
·
Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a
long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes
are most active.
·
Consider the use of mosquito repellent,
according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all
treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
·
Click
here for the CDC's latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent
Use and Safety.
·
Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound
devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites. For more information, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH or your local West Nile Coordinator. |
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