National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 23-29, 2013

This release was sent in by the Montgomery County Department of Health.

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 23-29, 2013 and the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) wants to remind residents to take precautions to clear away mosquito breeding areas around their homes.  West Nile Virus (WNV), which surfaced in the U.S. more than ten years ago, is commonly transmitted back and forth between infected birds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of the disease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Easy steps to take in any backyard to remove potential breeding grounds for mosquitos include eliminating standing water from the property, cleaning debris from rain gutters, filling drain puddles and ditches, changing bird bath water once a week, emptying and turning over containers that could collect water, and checking for trapped water in canvas or plastic tarps.  Standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Anything that can hold water for four days can breed 1000s of mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water has proven effective in controlling WNV.  Mosquitoes can also be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors, and porches tightly screened.

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) reminds the public to practice the three D’s of mosquito prevention — Drain, Dress, and Defend:

•Drain:   Empty out water containers at least once per week

•Dress:   Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

•Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus

Enjoy the outdoors this summer and stop the spread of mosquito-borne illness by following tips offered by the AMCA to prevent mosquito infestation and control an existing problem.

MCHD is actively larviciding public properties throughout the summer months. If the WNV activity poses a risk to human health, adulticiding or spraying may be necessary in targeted areas.

Residents who would like to be notified of when spraying will occur should sign up for the ReadyNotify service at https://montco.alertpa.org. Residents must register for “Health Alerts” to get notifications from the Health Department about WNV sprays and other emergent and non-emergent issues. Other information about WNV, including products used, can be found on the Health Department website athttp://health.montcopa.org.

Reduce Exposure to Mosquitoes

•           Check and repair windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

•           Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

•           Survey your property and dispose of containers that can collect standing water such as old tires, cans, bottles, buckets, and toys.

•           After it rains, empty any plant containers, bird baths, flowerpots, kiddie pools, and pool covers to keep water from collecting in these items.

•           Make sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of standing water.

•           Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

•           Drill several holes in the bottom of recycling buckets so water can drain from them. Trash containers should be covered so no rain can accumulate in them.

•           Use an approved mosquito repellant when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Follow the label directions carefully. Do not apply to the face.

•           Never allow children to apply repellents. Parents should avoid applying repellents to the hands of children

•           Check with a physician before applying repellents to very young children (less than three years old).

•           Avoid mosquito-breeding areas during peak periods of mosquito activity.

•           Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, making sure to cover feet and ankles.

•           Discuss any concerns with your private physician.