West Nile Virus
Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Borne Diseases
Follow the Five D's to limit your exposure to West Nile Virus
The best defense against this virus is prevention.
- Dusk and Dawn - avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood, for many species this is during the dusk and dawn hours
- Dress - wear clothing that covers skin
- DEET - use mosquito repellents including DEET [N, N diethyl-m-toluamide] on skin or pyrethrins on clothing when you are outside
- Drainage - check your home to rid it of standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs
Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites
Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.
- Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
- Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
- Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
- Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
- Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
- Pump out bilges on boats.
- Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
- Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
- Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
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