Oakland County Health Division is reminding residents to remove standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding sites this spring. As temperatures increase, so will mosquitoes and exposure to mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV).
“Taking steps to reduce mosquitoes around your home and in your neighborhood - such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs - helps control mosquitoes that can spread disease,” said Kate Guzmán, health officer for Oakland County Health Division.
Prevent mosquito breeding:
• Turn over any container that can collect water. Once a week, empty items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots and trash containers.
• Clean clogged roof gutters, especially if leaves tend to plug the drains.
• Treat standing water such as retention ponds or drainage ditches with a mosquito larvicide. It is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites by taking the following steps:
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent:
- All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure there are no holes in window and door screens. Do not prop open doors.
Mosquitoes are infected with mosquito-borne diseases after biting an infected bird, human or other mammal. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People older than 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms if they do get sick.
For additional information about West Nile Virus, visit OakGov.com/health or call Oakland Connects Helpline (formerly Nurse on Call) at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow PublicHealthOC on Facebook, X and Instagram.
“Taking steps to reduce mosquitoes around your home and in your neighborhood - such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs - helps control mosquitoes that can spread disease,” said Kate Guzmán, health officer for Oakland County Health Division.
Prevent mosquito breeding:
• Turn over any container that can collect water. Once a week, empty items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots and trash containers.
• Clean clogged roof gutters, especially if leaves tend to plug the drains.
• Treat standing water such as retention ponds or drainage ditches with a mosquito larvicide. It is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites by taking the following steps:
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent:
- All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure there are no holes in window and door screens. Do not prop open doors.
Mosquitoes are infected with mosquito-borne diseases after biting an infected bird, human or other mammal. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People older than 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms if they do get sick.
For additional information about West Nile Virus, visit OakGov.com/health or call Oakland Connects Helpline (formerly Nurse on Call) at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow PublicHealthOC on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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