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RESIDENTS CAN HELP
REDUCE RISK FROM WNV |
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There are some
simple steps you can take to reduce risk. The best way to minimize the
threat of WNV is to control mosquito populations and prevent exposure to
mosquitoes. To control the mosquito population, empty old tires,
buckets, plastic covers, toys and other containers around your home
where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for
mosquitoes. Change water every week in birdbaths, fountains, wading
pools and animal troughs. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, wear
long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
Consider using a mosquito repellant containing
DEET. See the attachments below, which include guidelines for
preventing mosquito bites developed in cooperation with WSU cooperative
extension.
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WHAT IS BEING DONE
ABOUT MOSQUITO CONTROL? |
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Snohomish Health
District has no specific authority to control mosquitoes. We do
encourage all landowners to evaluate their mosquito situation. If there
is a history of mosquito problems in certain areas, landowners in those
areas should take steps to control mosquito larvae. BEFORE applying
pesticides to water on your property, you need a
permit. That permit requires a person who is licensed by the state
to follow strict pesticide label requirements. Contact WADOH for their
guidance and permit process.
It is likely that there will be no mosquito control in many areas of the
County this summer. The Snohomish Health District continues to advise
residents to take precautions to guard against mosquito bites,
including:
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If outside during
evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and
likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing
such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
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Consider the use
of an insect repellant containing 10% or less DEET for children and no
more than 30%
DEET for adults. Use DEET according to manufacturer’s directions.
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Make sure that
doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace
screens that have tears or holes.
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Q.
What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A.
Here are preventive
measures that you and your family can take:
Protect yourself from
mosquito bites:
- Apply insect
repellent sparingly to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellent contains
the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher
percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is
better—just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than
50% do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that
provides protection for the
amount of time that you will be outdoors.
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Repellents may
irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of
children.
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Whenever you use
an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the
manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
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For detailed
information about using repellents, see the
Insect Repellent Use and Safety questions.
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Spray clothing
with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite
through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin
directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to
spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
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When possible,
wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
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Place mosquito
netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
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Consider staying
indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito
biting times.
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Install or
repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Help reduce the
number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining
sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places
mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
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At least once or
twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes,
birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
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Check for
clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
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Remove discarded
tires, and other items that could collect water.
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Be sure to check
for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under
bushes or under your home.
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