Protecting Your Family

Follow these tips to prevent West Nile Virus

The best way to protect yourself against mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus is to be prepared and take the following precautions:

• When going outside always wear mosquito repellants containing DEET.
• Eliminate all standing water on your property as these could be prime grounds for mosquito breeding.

• Mend any ripped or loose door and window screens on homes, tents and trailers to keep mosquitoes out.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outside - especially before dusk and after dawn.
• Wear or sleep under mosquito netting when working or camping in mosquito-infested areas.
• Cover children's playpens, strollers and carriers with mosquito netting when outside for any length of time.
• Burn citronella candles, incense and wear plant-based oils and lotions like cedar, peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus oil to further deter mosquitoes.
• Treat small standing ponds and puddles with larvicides such as mosquito dunks.
• Populate decorative ponds with larva eating fish.
• Chlorinate decorative ponds, outdoor hot tubs, swimming pools or bird baths - as chlorine will not harm birds or fish but it will kill mosquito larvae.
• Keep pools, hot tubs, ponds and other water sources covered when not in use.
• Outfit decorative ponds and swimming pools with a filter and pump as mosquitoes don't like moving water.