Friday, August 17, 2012

Mosquito Control

Local newscasts have been reporting on outbreaks of West Nile virus in the Austin area. Mosquitos are the primary vector for this virus and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), prevention is the most effective way to fight the disease. There are simple steps we can take to control the mosquito populations and minimize the risks of contracting this disease:

  1. Use insect repellent when you are outdoors.
  2. Cover outside vents with a fine mesh to prevent adult mosquitos from entering your home.
  3. Eliminate standing water near your homes by making sure yards and culverts are draining properly.
  4. Completely replace bird bath and fountain water at least weekly. Use bird-friendly anti-larval tablets (Mosquito Dunks are one example) if you recirculate your fountain water and cannot replace it on a regular basis.
  5. Put anti-larval tablets into your aerobic tank at least once per month.

If you would like additional information on preventing West Nile or controlling mosquito populations, see the following publications from the CDC or the American Mosquito Control Association:

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