*Posted this last June and thought it would be a good idea to review it again.
Good ideas for everyone who enjoys the outdoors!
People can get West Nile virus if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. While, its important to remember that the risks of being bitten by an infected mosquito are low and the chances of becoming seriously ill are even lower, anyone who is exposed to mosquitoes in an area that has West Nile virus has the potential to become infected.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY?
To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, you can take action on two fronts:
1. Minimize your exposure to mosquitoes:
* When going outdoors, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients.
* Try to avoid spending time outdoors at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
* Wear protective clothing such long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat. Light coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark colours.
* Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that may allow mosquitoes indoors.
2. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites Around your Home and Cottage:
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and it takes about four days for the eggs to grow into adults that are ready to fly. Even a small amount of water, for example, in a saucer under a flower pot, is enough to act as a breeding ground. As a result, it is important to eliminate as much standing water around your property as possible by:
* Regularly draining standing water from items like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, recycle bins, garbage cans etc.
* Remove old unused items from around your property including old tires, that have a tendancy to collect water.
* Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week.
* Cover rain barrels with screens.
* Clean out eaves troughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.
* If you have an ornamental pond, consider getting fish that will eat mosquito larvae.
Yard and Lawn Maintenance
Think mosquito prevention when working in the yard. Lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees should be collected and recycled or mulched so that organic matter does not end up in storm sewers as a food source for mosquito larvae.
*Turn over compost frequently.
*Fill in low depressions in lawn areaa.
*Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to rest.
*Spread the word. Point out potential mosquito breeding areas to your neighbours.
~Government of Ontario
Link to West Nile Virus maps (USA) ~ WNV - Maps
Good ideas for everyone who enjoys the outdoors!
People can get West Nile virus if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. While, its important to remember that the risks of being bitten by an infected mosquito are low and the chances of becoming seriously ill are even lower, anyone who is exposed to mosquitoes in an area that has West Nile virus has the potential to become infected.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY?
To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, you can take action on two fronts:
1. Minimize your exposure to mosquitoes:
* When going outdoors, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients.
* Try to avoid spending time outdoors at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
* Wear protective clothing such long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat. Light coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark colours.
* Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that may allow mosquitoes indoors.
2. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites Around your Home and Cottage:
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and it takes about four days for the eggs to grow into adults that are ready to fly. Even a small amount of water, for example, in a saucer under a flower pot, is enough to act as a breeding ground. As a result, it is important to eliminate as much standing water around your property as possible by:
* Regularly draining standing water from items like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, recycle bins, garbage cans etc.
* Remove old unused items from around your property including old tires, that have a tendancy to collect water.
* Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week.
* Cover rain barrels with screens.
* Clean out eaves troughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.
* If you have an ornamental pond, consider getting fish that will eat mosquito larvae.
Yard and Lawn Maintenance
Think mosquito prevention when working in the yard. Lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees should be collected and recycled or mulched so that organic matter does not end up in storm sewers as a food source for mosquito larvae.
*Turn over compost frequently.
*Fill in low depressions in lawn areaa.
*Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to rest.
*Spread the word. Point out potential mosquito breeding areas to your neighbours.
~Government of Ontario
Link to West Nile Virus maps (USA) ~ WNV - Maps
