DEP Announces How to Stop Mosquitos and Avoid West Nile Virus

A press release from the Department of Environmental Protection announced some steps to take control of mosquitoes in your yard. These steps are timely, as mosquitoes can quickly ruin any outdoor plans you may have this summer. Another concern with mosquitoes today is the possibility of becoming infected with the West Nile Virus.

This virus is spread easily by infected mosquitoes. Infected persons can have the disease for a number of years before realizing that they have it. Symptoms such as rashes, itchiness, and extreme fatigue are a result of the West Nile Virus and can carry on for long periods of time. Many won't know the cause of the symptoms as West Nile Virus is not easily diagnosable. Most individuals won't actually develop any detectable symptoms at all; therefore, the West Nile Virus will stay in their system for years if not tested for it sooner. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can develop into a more serious type of fatal disease.

Environmental Protection Regional Director Kenneth Bowman said concerning controlling mosquitoes, "Remember: dump it if it has water in it; drain it if it can be drained; and treat it if it has standing water. These are easy measures that everyone can take in their own back yards to help protect themselves and their family from the West Nile virus."

The press release announces the following tips to help you to control the number of mosquitoes on your property.

Identify and Eliminate all sources of Standing Water on your Property

Dispose of any containers that may capture and store rainwater

Dispose of discarded tires; they are a breeding ground for mosquitoes

Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside

Clean clogged roof gutters at least annually

Turn over plastic pools or other outdoor toys that could be filled with water

Turn over wheelbarrows

Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths

Aerate decorative pools/ponds or fill them with fish.

Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated

These steps are all designed to eliminate excess water. Mosquitoes are not only attracted to water; they will also multiply extensively near water. Following these steps can greatly reduce and potentially eliminate most mosquitoes from your backyard. Areas in Pennsylvania have been of particular concern according to the press release and officials are working hard to limit mosquitoes and prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus. However, it appears that the best measures can be taken into your own hands to fight this growing problem.

Sources:

PR Newswire, http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/search.jsp?searchtype=full&option=headlines&criteriadisplay=show&resourceid=3520930