It’s Time to Prepare for West Nile Virus. It’s a Risk You Can Do Something About

Follow these simple steps to a healthier outdoor season:

1. Avoid Mosquito Bites

   • Cover up! Wear long pants, long sleeves and socks sprayed with repellent.
   • Limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn.
   • Use insect repellent with DEET when outdoors.
     • Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
     • Repellents irritate the eyes and mouth, so apply carefully and avoid applying to children’s hands.
     • The higher the percentage of DEET, the longer the protection. (Concentrations higher than 50% do not increase length of protection.)
     • Follow recommendations on the product label and reapply as recommended.
   • Use mosquito netting over infant carriers.

2. Mosquito Proof Your Home and Property

   • Fix or install window and door screens.
   • Landscape to drain standing water.
   • Remove discarded tires from your property and turn over wheel barrows when not in use.
   • Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, etc.
   • Unclog rain gutters.
   • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
   • Clear vegetation and debris from pond edges.
   • Cover any water stored outside.
   • Change water in pet dishes and birdbaths frequently.
   • Empty children’s pools when not in use.

3. Help the Community

   • Notify your state health department of dead birds as they help track West Nile Virus