Oswego County Officials Remind Residents to ‘Fight the Bite’

OSWEGO COUNTY – Summer is in full swing and government officials are reminding residents to “fight the bite” and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.

“Our health department has been hard at work this summer maintaining a long-term mosquito surveillance program using trap sites around the county,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul House, District 8, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Health Committee. “The information we receive from their reports is vital in showing us where and what kind of mosquitoes are most active, which then helps us make decisions about mosquito control measures.

“That being said, the most important mosquito control measures happen right with our residents in their homes and back yards,” he added. “Although we’re halfway through August, we still encourage people to continue taking the appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”

Usually considered a nuisance pest, mosquitoes can carry diseases such as the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Occasionally, they can transmit these viruses to people and some animals, causing illness and sometimes death.

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor said mosquito-borne disease prevention starts before the bite. “We advise residents to limit their 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 reduce exposure,” she added.

People are also reminded to use an EPA-registered insect repellant to guard against mosquito bites. Those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective while those that contain permethrin are meant for clothing and gear and should not be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to read all product labels and follow package instructions.

Dunsmoor reminds people that mosquitoes are active in the environment until the first heavy frost and offered additional steps residents can take to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.

“Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors and that they are free of rips, tears and holes,” she said. “Eliminating standing water and reducing mosquito breeding areas in and around homes and properties are also vital to the fight. Clean out clogged gutters, change water in birdbaths twice a week, and keep rain barrels covered with a screen.”

Mosquito dunk kits can also be used to reduce mosquito populations in certain situations. Kits contain a larvicide that must be used according to the directions provided. People can buy one for $5 at the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, 3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton. For more information, call 315-592-9663.

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 315-349-3557 or visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/.