Hello friends and neighbors,
I would like to take a moment to offer some information as to how you can protect yourselves from mosquito-borne diseases this summer.
Unfortunately, West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in mosquito populations throughout the county. Most of the mosquitoes we are catching are species that are known to carry and transmit the virus to humans. These species, Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, are very active during the dusk and dawn hours. While we are doing everything we can to reduce these mosquito populations, you need to be aware that the WNv threat is very high this year, and chances are that if you get bitten by a mosquito during the dusk and dawn hours, you could be exposed to the virus.
Here’s what you can do to protect yourselves and your neighbors from WNv:
- Drain all standing water sites from your property. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in very small pools of standing water, so try to help prevent them from reproducing.
- Dress appropriately. If you are outside (especially during the dawn and dusk hours), wear loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. The less your skin is exposed to mosquitoes, the less likely they can bite you.
- Defend yourself. Wear DEET mosquito repellant when you are outdoors, and your skin is exposed.
- Do not overwater your lawns and gardens and eliminate any standing water irrigation issues on your property.
Please remember that in most cases (around 80% of infected people), WNv does not cause serious symptoms. However, some folks can develop flu-like symptoms, and for a small percentage of folks (around 1 in 150, typically immunocompromised), WNv can cause neuroinvasive symptomology (encephalitis, meningitis, poliomyelitis).
If you are bitten by a mosquito and develop symptoms, please see a physician, and let them know you were bitten as soon as possible.
WNv has been detected in mosquito populations in most surrounding counties and has been reported as being very prevalent throughout the nation. Please do everything you can to keep you and your family members safe from mosquito bites this year and call us if you have any questions or need to schedule service.