Culex mosquitoes, which carry the West Nile virus, breed in places like old tires, unused wading pools, buckets, pots, ditches, or just about any place with standing water. They especially like shaded areas. So, inspect your yard and empty any unnecessary containers that have water in them.
The most important element in mosquito control is you. By reducing mosquito-breeding habitats on your property, you can significantly reduce populations without side effects to the environment.
A small bucket with standing water for seven days can become home to over 1000 mosquitoes. Also check your gutters for standing water, particularly if there are leaves blocking the drains. Overlooked gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each year.
Backyard ponds and fountains are generally not breeding areas because of the moving water. Also, many types of fish will feed on the larvae.
Another form of prevention is to stay away from the mosquitoes. The hours from dusk to dawn are the peak hours that mosquitoes bite. Don't go outside then. If you do decide to go out, you might want to wear long sleeves and long pants.
You can also apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin. If your clothing is thin, you might want to apply it to your clothing, but do not apply DEET under clothing.
About The Virus
The West Nile virus is spread by
the bite of an infected mosquito. People, horses, and many types of birds
are the most commonly affected animals.
Most people that become
infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms, or only mild
ones. However, on rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result
in severe and sometimes fatal illnesses.
There is no evidence that West Nile
virus can be spread person to person, or animal to person.
Because MCCSC has an advanced Integrated
Pest Management program in place we are already in the process of reducing
mosquito breeding sites.
Dr. Dawn Gouge, who manages school
IPM programs in Arizona based on our own program, has been very helpful
by supplying us information and resources.
Reporting dead birds
Dead birds may or may not mean that
West Nile virus is being transmitted between birds and mosquitoes. Many
species of birds are known to have been infected with the virus. Although
birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with the virus can die, or
become ill, most infected birds do survive.
The public can play
an important role in monitoring West Nile virus by reporting dead birds
to state and local health departments. The Herald Times recently reported
that our health department would test birds this year until they found
a bird that is infected. They will then know that the virus is in the
county.
If you find a dead bird and would
like to have it tested, take it to the health department office at 119
W. Seventh St. They are open week days from 8:00 to 4:00. Don't handle
the birds with your bare hands. Use gloves and put the bird in a plastic
bag.
If you have questions, you may
call Jerry Jochim, the MCCSC IPM Coordinator at 330-7720 ext 241, or
call the Monroe County Health Department at 349-2543. On the internet,
you can go to the Center
for Disease Control web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
-dvbid/westnile/#prevention.
They also have links to state and local sites.
jjochim@mccsc.edu
http://www.mccsc.edu/~mccscipm/
Please visit our web site. We will add information as we receive it
on West Nile virus and other topics of interest.