‘Fight the Bite’ This Summer with Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reminds residents to stay safe when it comes to mosquitoes this summer.

“As mosquito season begins, it’s important for everyone to take precautions to avoid bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.”

People are advised to limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are usually more active, and to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.

Insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are an effective form of mosquito protection. Be sure to read the product label and follow package instructions. Repellents that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin.

Oswego County Associate Public Health Sanitarian Chris Williams said it is also important for people to know simple measures they can take around their homes or properties to help prevent mosquito bites.

“Installing, replacing or repairing broken screens to keep mosquitoes outside and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding areas around the home are vital steps to guard against mosquitoes,” said Williams.

Other tips to reduce mosquito habitats include:

• Cover rain barrels or other water collection devices with a screen.
• Empty or dispose of pails, cans, flowerpots or similar water holding containers.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
• Clean and chlorinate outdoor pools, saunas, hot tubs and drain pool covers.
• Clean out clogged gutters to be sure they drain properly.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on the property.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens and clear vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Use mosquito dunk kits to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations. Each kit contains a larvicide and must be used according to the directions provided.

Homeowners can buy a $5 mosquito dunk kit from the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, located at 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton. Call 315-592-9663 for more information.

The Oswego County Health Department has a limited supply of free mosquito dunk kits available to homeowners. Call to check the availability of dunk kits at 315-349-3547.

The Oswego County Health Department and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) continue to monitor the mosquito population and virus activity in Oswego County.

For more information about protecting your family against mosquitoes, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547 or visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.

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