Mosquitos can create more than just an annoying bites and itches. They can cause life threatening diseases.
The most common mosquito diseases seen in our area are West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Prevention is key!
- Empty, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
- Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
- For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.
- If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Keep mosquitoes outside by ensuring that doors and windows have screens and are kept closed when possible. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture or under the carport or garage
- Use screens on windows and doors.
- Wear loose fitting, long sleeves and pants
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.
Stay healthy and well!
College Health Services
healthservice@hvcc.edu
(518) 629-7468