What is the most important thing I can do to reduce the chance of myself or my family getting West Nile virus or another mosquito transmitted disease?
Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes! No amount of mosquito control can completely prevent diseases associated with mosquitoes. Taking simple precautions makes a big difference in the likelihood of getting WNV. • Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property because standing water provides a place for mosquitoes to develop. • Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. • If you go out, apply insect repellent containing an EPA approved active ingredient. A list of approved active ingredients is available from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm. DEET is the most common active ingredient. • Make sure window screens are well maintained. These simple actions will help keep you and your family from getting bitten by mosquitoes that may be carrying WNV.
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