Mosquito Prevention and Control

Links to the latest West Nile Virus Information:

* Current West Nile virus case counts in the U.S.
* West Nile virus surveillance maps of U.S.
* West Nile virus case counts in Texas 2002
* West Nile surveillance maps of Texas
* West Nile virus transmission cycle
* West Nile media resources (CDC)
* Reporting dead birds
* West Nile info from Texas Department of Health
* West Nile info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* West Nile virus Q&A
* West Nile virus Q&A from American Veterinary Medical Association
* Safe insecticides for mosquitoes
* Information about DEET products
* Information about Larvicides
* NYC West Nile fact sheets

Since its initial appearance in the United States in New York in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has traveled westward across the US. The virus was first identified in Texas in June 2002. By the end of 2002 in Texas, there had been 202 reported cases of WNV in people, which included 13 deaths, and more than 1,600 cases reported in horses. Evidence of WNV has been reported in 213 Texas counties across the state.

West Nile Virus is here to stay. With the confirmation of yet another mosquito-borne illness in Hale County it's more important than ever to understand how you can make a difference in preventing or reducing mosquito populations. The following are some frequently asked questions and answers that will help you prepare for the mosquito season.

How is West Nile Virus transmitted to humans?
West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are sometimes transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Click here to see an explanation of the transmission cycle. 

How can I protect myself and my family from mosquito-borne diseases?
There are many steps that everyone should take to reduce mosquito populations around their home. While spraying for mosquitoes is sometimes thought of as the first line of defense against mosquitoes, personal protection and eliminating places where mosquitoes breed are the most effective and healthiest ways of preventing mosquito bites. The more people are involved, the greater the amount of control.

First, protect yourself from bites by using insect repellant or protective clothing. Some repellants may not be safe for children, so always read instructions before using repellants. Protection also means avoiding outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most prevalent - at dusk and dawn.

Second, eliminate mosquitoes at their source -stagnant water. It takes three to seven days for thousands of mosquitoes to develop in stagnant water. The picture to the right shows a mosquito laying her eggs in a pool of stagnant water. Below are some helpful suggestions to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home, apartment or business:

• Remove old tires, buckets or anything that holds standing water, or empty them regularly.
• Reduce runoff of water from sprinkler systems and use additional landscaping to absorb standing water on your property.
• Keep your lawn mowed; mosquitoes typically rest in high grass and weeds.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.  
• Keep rain gutters free of leaves and other debris that can trap water and allow for mosquitoes to breed.
• Treat standing water that can't be drained with a larvicide containing Bti, available at home and garden stores.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from mosquitoes, always remember the "Four D's":

• Dusk and dawn are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
• DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Always wear repellent when outdoors, and choose products that contain up to 20 percent DEET.
• Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood -- old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters. These are mosquito breeding sites.

Are we going to have to live with West Nile for ever?
Because the eradication of adult mosquitoes is impossible, we should expect to live with mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry indefinitely. Again, personal protection and source reduction are the two best ways to lessen the impact of mosquitoes in your neighborhood. 

Try to schedule outdoor activities away from early morning and late evening as these are the major feeding times for mosquitoes. Use repellents if these activities cannot be rescheduled.

Do not use 'bug zappers' as mosquitoes use light to navigate. Once a food source is detected near a light, the light is then ignored and mosquitoes concentrate on the food source.

Remove all trash, jars, cans, bottles, tires and all other items that can collect water and provide a breeding site. Keep rain gutters free of trash and standing water. Keeping grass and weeds mowed will also reduce breeding sites as water collecting in depressions will be exposed to wind and sun and dry quicker.

Inspect window screens and screen doors for gaps and areas in need of repair. Make sure these fit properly and exclude mosquitoes from entering the dwelling.