West Nile Virus Tips For City Employees

Mosquitoes will always be present. But we can protect ourselves and reduce the number of mosquitoes with a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips to avoid mosquito bites while at work.

Personal protection

When outdoors,

• Wear insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin. Repellents containing up to 35% DEET for adults is the most effective. Insect repellent is available through purchasing at the city warehouse.
• Wear light colored clothing including long sleeves and long pants.
• Be aware that most mosquitoes are most active in early evening and early morning when it is cooler.
• Avoid areas of heavy vegetation and tall grass especially in shady areas since mosquitoes like to hide and rest there.
• Stay in open areas where there is a breeze.
• At night, avoid outside lighting using regular light bulbs since this type of lighting attracts mosquitoes.

Help Eliminate breeding sites

Removing or draining any source of standing water is the most effective method to reduce and control mosquitoes. Whenever possible:

• Reduce the mosquito population by removing or draining any container, object, or location where water is standing for more than five days.
• The mosquito needs stagnant, calm water to develop the eggs into adult mosquitoes. Eliminating water sources prevents adult mosquitoes.
• Talk with citizens about removing breeding sites on their property. Mosquitoes normally fly only about two blocks from the breeding site.