Mosquitoes Remain a Threat in the Environment

OSWEGO COUNTY – The New York State Department of Health notified the Oswego County Health Department that Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in a mosquito sample collected from the town of West Monroe last week.

Public health officials emphasize that mosquitoes remain a threat in the environment until there are a few heavy frosts, or multiple nights of below freezing temperatures.

“After last month’s aerial spraying – and with the more recent cooler temperatures – the mosquito population is slowly declining,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “However, they are not gone. People need to remember that while they may not see mosquitoes as often, there is still a chance that the ones still around may be infected with a virus.

“This time of year, so many people are outdoors enjoying fall hiking, fishing, camping and other activities,” she added. “It’s important that they remain vigilant and follow personal protection measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

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 follow protection measures around their homes or properties.

“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,” he said.

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 and 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 your property.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens, and clear vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.
• Dispose of old tires as they are a significant mosquito breeding site. Used tires are accepted at Oswego County transfer stations for a charge. Contact the Oswego County Solid Waste Department at 315-591-9200 for details.
• 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 pick up a free mosquito dunk kit (while supplies last) at these locations:

• Oswego County Health Department front desk, entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego; 315-349-3547
• Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District front door, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton; 315-592-9663
• Local municipal facility or office.

The county and state health departments 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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