<Don’t become a mosquito’s next blood meal >

Don’t become a

Mosquito’s next blood meal

.....Be on the lookout for the pesky insects as they fly around looking for someone to bite. Mosquitoes are a health threat to humans. In some people the mosquito’s bite can just cause an itchy bite site or a rash. In others that become infected with West Nile Virus, a mosquito bite can cause anything from a fever and body aches to paralysis or death.

Mosquitoes can be breeding in your backyard!

They breed in the big lakes and lagoons found around San Diego County, but they can also breed right in your own backyard. Mosquitoes can breed anywhere; all they need is a ½ inch of water. They can find that ½ inch of water in pet water dishes, plant saucers, bird baths or unattended swimming pools.

Check your yard for standing water.

If you have any sources of standing water help your community by getting rid of them. During the summer it only takes 3-5 days for a mosquito to complete its life cycle. Smaller sources such as pet water dishes or plant saucers can be dumped out. For the bigger backyard sources such as pools or ponds, make sure they are properly cleaned and maintained. If you suspect that a foreclosed or unattended property in your neighborhood is breeding mosquitoes in the backyard please contact the Vector Control Program.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus.

Avoid mosquito bites with these simple tips:

1. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes need water to breed. Getting rid of standing water will get rid of mosquitoes.
2. Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn, these are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Wear long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin from mosquitoes.
4. Wear insect repellent. Make sure to use an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outdoors. Insect repellent may be applied directly on the skin and over clothing.
5. Fix window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
6. Report Mosquito Breeding to the Vector Control Program.

The Vector Control Program

is trying to “Fight the Bite of West Nile virus.”

They urge the public to report mosquito breeding and dead birds. Dead bird testing is one of the ways that Vector Control is able to conduct surveillance for the disease. The Vector Control Program is also doing its best to control the mosquito population.

.....If you know of any sources of standing water or mosquito breeding

contact the Vector Control Program and a technician will be out to

investigate and treat the problem. Contact the Vector Control Program by

visiting their West Nile virus website at www.SDFightTheBite.com, or calling

(858)694-2888.

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Salud + Health Info is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family’s physician or health provider immediately and do not try and diagnose yourself.