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Who is at risk for getting West Nile encephalitis
 | All residents of areas where virus activity has been
identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis;
persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe
disease. It is unknown if immunocompromised persons are at
increased risk for WNV disease. Center of
Disease Control web site 6/04
(Immunocompromised: weak or compromised immune
systems) |
Inside your home
| Check plant trays and pet’s water bowl closely-
automatic type pet watering devices are more susceptible to
mosquito breeding
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| Run water in sinks not used very often |
Outside your home
Sprinklers
| Monitor your sprinkler system by walking around your
yard after sprinklers have finished a watering cycle and
look for any puddles of water or any leaking sprinklers.
Tips: Correct any defect in landscaping by
adding additional soil or correcting slope and repair any
leaking sprinklers.
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Yard
| Look for standing water in old tires, around edges or
under metal sheds, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any
other containers that can hold water, such as trashcans or
recycling bins.
Tips: Remove water and cover items in a
manner that would eliminate water accumulation. Inspect
children’s yard toys regularly. The base of metal shed edges
should be caulked or filled with sand to prevent water
accumulation. |
| Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains,
wading pools and potted plant trays at least once a week if
not more often.
Tips: Add an inexpensive moisture meter to
plants to avoid over watering or consider adding a drip
system to potted plants in yard. Add a small amount of
birdseed instead of water to birdbaths.
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On the home
| Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight"
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| Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights
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| Find your Air Conditioning condensation line/drip Line
and make sure there’s no standing water
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| Inspect water heater for leaks and water heater trays
for any moisture
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| Check gutters for moisture from roof-top drip lines or
standing water
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| Check for standing water in sump pump or in access vents
to crawl space
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Tips: Add “gutter screens” over rain
gutter to avoid accumulation of leaves and water.
Swimming Pools
| Keep swimming pools treated and circulating
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| Check pool equipment and toys for water
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| Do not keep floating devices in the pool when not in use
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| Check for standing water in pool drains with a
flashlight |
On the Body
| Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label
directions and precautions closely. Remember- children are
smaller and require lesser amounts than adults!
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| Use head nets or hats, tightly woven long sleeves,
collared shirts and long pants if you venture into areas
with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes, rivers
or hiking trails where water is present
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| If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect,
stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
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| Be aware that West Nile Virus can be transmitted through
breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or West Nile Link Below
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What to ask a Professional
| Do you have a preventive program to control mosquitoes
for Residential Properties?
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| Do you use residual products such as Talstar One in your
programs or shorter residual products?
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| Does your mosquito service include reporting breeding
sites to homeowner?
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| Are all your technicians specifically trained to
identify mosquito problems around my home?
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| Does your mosquito service include other pests around
the home?
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| How many applications a month are included in your
service?
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| Does your company have any state or local violations
with pesticide use?
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| Can I have the phone number to the State Agency in
charge of licensing your company to check on your standing?
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| Who will be the State-Licensed Person coming out to my
property? |
Downloads and Links
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