Stay Bite-Free This Summer with These Mosquito Prevention Tips

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reminds residents to ‘fight the bite’ this summer and offers mosquito bite prevention tips.

“With mosquito season just beginning, it’s time to remember what to do to avoid bites and lower your risk of mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), making prevention especially important. By following a few simple tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones this summer.”

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.

“Prevention starts before the bite,” said Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Katelyn Parkhurst. “Using insect repellent while outdoors helps shield you from mosquitoes and the diseases they may transmit. Look for repellants that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and be sure to read the product label and follow package instructions.”

Residents can also take measures around their homes or properties to help limit exposure to mosquitoes and reduce their population.

“Keeping screens in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed are important steps people can take,” said Parkhurst.

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 the property.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
• 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 and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) 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/.