WEB ONLY: Tips to help prevent mosquitoes from spreading West Nile virus

They’re back.

Warm weather in Wellington and Dufferin Counties brings with it, mos­quitoes.

WDG Public Health moni­tors the community for mos­quito activity as part of its West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. Cam Clark, manager for the program said, “We’ve been tracking WNV in our region since 2003.

“Based on findings from our dead bird reporting, mos­quito trap surveillance, and climate information we have identified Guelph, Orangeville, Rockwood, and Erin as poten­tially higher risk areas for the virus.”

Culex pipien mosquitoes -the species that most often carries virus – lays its eggs in standing water.

“They particu­larly like stag­nant water that collects in small containers like flower pots, kids’ toys, and bird baths,” ex­plained Clark. “We urge resi­dents to routinely check their yards and dump standing water, particularly after rainfalls.”

Residents with municipal catch basins on their property can also take advantage of Public Health’s free larviciding program.

“Rainwater collects in the catch basins creating the ideal breeding ground for mosqui­toes. We can arrange to have metho­prene placed in backyard catch basins. It’s a biochemical that is non-toxic to humans and animals but interrupts the larva life cycle of the mosquito.

“It prevents them from reach­ing maturity and repro­du­c­ing.”  Public Health also keeps the mosquito population in check by larviciding standing water in ditches, sewage and sludge lagoons, storm water retention ponds, field pools, and wetlands within 2km of high risk areas.

Since birds carry the virus, a large number of dead birds are an indication that the virus may be active in an area.

Public Health encourages residents to report dead crows and blue jays to the dead bird hotline at 1-800-265-7293 extension 4617 or online at https://www.wdghu.org/deadbird/. Health inspectors will collect birds that can be tested. If a bird cannot be collected, an inspector will explain how to safely dispose of it.

People can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites by using insect repellant and wearing light coloured clothing, a hat, long sleeves and pants when out­doors. For more informa­tion about the West Nile virus in Wellington and Dufferin Counties, visit www.­wdghu­.org.

 

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