SEND A MESSAGE TO MOSQUITOES

Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals for a blood meal to produce eggs. While mosquitoes are usually just considered a nuisance, they can also spread disease. In the fall of 1999, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were found in New York City Since then, West Nile virus has been found in other parts of North America. There are steps you can take to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

WHERE THEY LIVE AND BREED

Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant water around the home. Weeds, tall grass and shrubs provide an outdoor home for the adult Culex pipiens mosquito (the common house mosquito) which is most commonly associated with West Nile virus. Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened or broken screens on windows or doors.

LEAVE MOSQUITOES HIGH AND DRY

Culex mosquitoes can develop in standing water that lasts more than one week. To help eliminate mosquitoes around your home and property; eliminate all standing water.

• Remove all discarded tires on your property. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or   similar water-holding containers.
  
  

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Cover if not in use.

• Drain water from pool covers.

• Change water in bird baths and remove dead leaves at least once a week.

• Cut grass and shrubs regularly since adult mosquitoes can hide in these areas during the daytime.

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. (Change water in your wading pool weekly.

• Store small boats and canoes upside down; cover large boats to prevent accumulation of water. Keep drains open.

• Plastic covers on lawn chairs and other outdoor equipment should be drained weekly.

• Eliminate any accumulation of rain or sprinkler water on your property.

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers or children's tire swings.

• Aerate ornamental ponds; stock with mosquito-eating fish.

• Repair any leaks from outdoor water pipes or hoses Replace washers on outdoor taps that drip.

PUT MOSQUITOES OUT OF TOUCH

Ensure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all old and torn screens in your home to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Repair any possible access points into your home.

COVER YOUR SKIN

Although it is not necessary to stop participating in outdoor activities, you can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. During evening, nighttime and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, wear shoes and socks, light coloured long pants and long sleeved shirts when you go out.

• Consider the use of mosquito repellent containing DEET when you re outdoors in places of high mosquito activity

Note: Ultrasonic devices, bug zappers and citronella plants and candles are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

THE PROPER USE OF INSECT REPELLENT OR DEET

DEET- the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide - is an insect repellent that can reduce the risk of mosquito bites however, it must he used cautiously. Products containing DEET have occasionally been associated with health problems, including skin rash, swelling and itching, eye irritation and less frequently, slurred speech, confusion and seizures.

If you use DEET, follow the directions. Frequent application and saturation are not necessary. Use as little as you need to cover exposed skin and clothing, as mosquitoes may bite through clothing. Only use products containing 10% DEET or less on children between two to twelve years of age and no more than 30% DEET for adults. Follow DIRECTIONS FOR USE as printed on the product.

• Do not use DEET on infants under six months of age. On children aged six months to two years old, the use of insect repellents containing DEET may be applied once per day in situations where a high risk of complications from insect bites exists. The product should be applied sparingly and should not be applied to the face and hands. Only the least concentrated product (10% DEET or 1ess) should be used. Avoid prolonged use.

• On children between two to) twelve years old use products with 10% DEET or less. Do not apply more than three times per day. Wash off skin when the child returns inside.

• Do not allow young children to apply DEET themselves.

• Do not apply DEET directlv on children. Apply to your hands first and then apply on the child. Wash your hands when finished avoid applying repellent to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.

• DEET is usually effective for three hours. Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin.

• Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.

• Store DEET out of reach of children

• Use only products registered under Canada's Pest Control Products Act that are labeled as insect repellents for use on humans

• If you believe you or your child is having an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately and seek medical attention, or call Poison Control at 1-800-268-9017.

While there are approximately 57 different mosquito species in Ontario, most do not transmit West Nile virus. Culex pipiens (the common house mosquito) is the one most commonly associated with the virus. West Nile virus can cause encephalitis, (swelling of the brain) or meningitis, (swelling of linings around the brain and spinal cord) although the risk is low Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms at all. Mild cases may experience a slight fever, headache and muscle aches. Rash and swollen glands are common. Severe infections are marked by rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches and stiff neck that may progress to weakness and confusion. Symptoms begin three to fifteen days after exposure. Although there is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, you may get relief from the symptoms with supportive care. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of West Nile virus infection. The people most susceptible to severe symptoms arc the elderly, those with compromised immune systems and, potentially, infants.

For more information about the West Nile virus, contact the Durham Region Health Department at (905) 723-8521 (x2188 or 1 800 841 2729 (x2188) Or check our website at www.region.durham.on.ca