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Reduce mosquitoes around your home
Reduce environmental risks.
Mosquitoes need water to breed. They lay their
eggs in small amounts of standing water. Help reduce their numbers:
- Repair outside plumbing leaks and shut faucets tightly.
- Store pails, buckets, and any other water-holding containers upside down.
- Store wading or kiddie pools inside when not in use.
- Adjust tarps, grill covers, and swimming pool covers to eliminate low spots that collect water.
- Discard cans, bottles, jars, and their lids appropriately.
- Store wheelbarrows upside down when not in use.
- Fill puddles that last for more than two days after a rain storm with sand, earth or sod.
- Change the water in birdbaths every 2-3 days.
- Fill tree knotholes with cement.
- Discard old tires appropriately.
- Report illegal dumping.
- Treat water in ornamental ponds with an approved chemical.
- Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.
What about the West Nile Virus?
- West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, and
birds, such as crows, jays and magpies.
- About 1 in 5 people who are bitten by mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus develop
mild symptoms.
- About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop severe neurological disease. West Nile
virus infection can result in a sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis
(an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for people older than 50.
- There is no current evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread by person to
person contact or from birds or animals to people.
- Public Health in Oregon is monitoring the West Nile virus and will keep the public informed.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes
- Consider staying indoors at dawn and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito
populations, such as salt marshes.
- Make sure windows and doors are screened and "bug tight".
Dead crows, jays, or magpies in an area may indicate that West Nile virus is circulating
between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. The public can play an important role in
helping to monitor for West Nile virus. If dead birds are observed in the community,
contact Washington County's Department of Health & Human Services at
503.846.8722 for local policies regarding the collection and testing of dead birds.
Source: Washington County Department of Health & Human Services
Links:
Washington County Environmental Health
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
US Environmental Protection Agency
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