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Guest column

Avoid mosquitoes by using these tips

By DOLORES MILLER
Published May 9, 2006

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, many types of birds and some other animals. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones.

However, on rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in severe and sometimes fatal illnesses. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.

But it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here are a few tips:

Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites.

A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better, just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50 percent do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.

Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Here are some other things that can help protect you and your family:

--Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET, because mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

--When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.

--Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when taking small children outdoors.

--Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.

--Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

--Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors by draining sources of standing water. This helps reduce the number of places mosquitoes can breed.

--At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.

--Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.

--Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.

--Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

--Dolores Miller is an environmental specialist II at the Citrus County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health. For information, call 527-5295.

[Last modified May 9, 2006, 00:41:15]