Health Dept. offers tips to avoid West Nile

Posted by Press Release on May 7, 2015

The Chester County Health Department reminds residents that along with warmer weather comes mosquito season and the threat of West Nile Virus, which is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.

The best way to control mosquitoes is to get rid of standing water on your property. The following precautions are strongly recommended to reduce the mosquito population in your yard, which will help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus and help your family remain healthy:

Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets, wheelbarrows, pet water dishes, and birdbaths on a regular basis.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers so that water will not collect.
Keep your property clear of old tires.
Clean roof gutters, particularly if leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use. A swimming pool left untended for an extended period can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes can even breed in the water that collects on top of pool covers.
For stagnant pools of water that cannot be drained, homeowners can purchase Bti products - commonly called mosquito dunks - at lawn and garden and home improvement stores. Bti is naturally occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Personal protection is also important during warmer weather. The Chester County Health Department recommends these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during the summer months.
Use insect repellants. Effective repellant contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer label directions. Consult with your health care provider if you have questions about the use of repellant on children. Repellant is not recommended for infants under the age of two months.

For more information about the Chester County Health Department’s West Nile Virus program, watch our video, visit www.chesco.org/wnv, or call 610-344-6752.