Watch tips for controling mosquitoes
Charlotte, NC- Mosquitoes present both a public health concern and a community nuisance to citizens, particularly with emerging mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine, and LaCrosse encephalitis.
To avoid human illness, the Mecklenburg County Health Department urges residents to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding in and around the home.
Recent heavy rainfall, along with the warm summer weather, provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes," said Dr. Wynn Mabry, Mecklenburg County Health Director. "Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance-they can make people seriously ill."
Exposure to mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and by using insect repellant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several repellant ingredients against mosquitoes-DEET, picaridian and oil of lemon eucalyptus. However, oil of lemon eucalyptus should NOT be used on children under three years old.
Consumers should look for products that contain CDC-recommended ingredients and carefully read and follow all label directions.
Another key to avoiding bites is reducing the numbers of mosquitoes around the home. "You can make your backyard a lot less mosquito friendly by getting rid of any containers that hold water," said Dennis Salmen, Health Department Environmental Program Manager. "That will take away mosquito breeding grounds."
"Take a good look at your yard to spot potential problems areas," he said. "Things like bird baths, old tires, planters, toys and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive. Cover rain barrels with tight-fitting screens and clean out birdbaths at least twice a week."
Learn more information about protection from mosquitoes, ticks and other vector-borne illness.
