There is a low risk of contracting West Nile virus in Humboldt County, but the county Environmental Health Division still recommends that residents do their part to prevent mosquito overpopulation and mosquito bites.
On Friday, the county’s Environmental Health Division issued a news release saying it had been answering an increasing number of questions about mosquitoes and how best to avoid them in and around Humboldt Bay and other coastal areas. Some species of mosquitoes harbor and spread West Nile virus, of which four cases have been reported since 2003, and other diseases.
“According to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), one of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites is to stay indoors at dawn and dusk when the insects are most active,” the Friday press release said. the division. “People who are going to be outside during those times are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.”
The statement shared the following advice from the CDC:
Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed
- Mosquitoes lay eggs near and on the surface of water, and health officials recommend taking time each week to empty and scrub, turn over, or cover or dispose of items that hold water such as tires, buckets, flower pots, toys, pools, birdbaths , pot saucers or garbage containers
- Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, water tanks, and rain barrels) so mosquitoes can’t get inside to lay eggs
- For containers without lids, use mesh/wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito
- Fill in tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.
- If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or holes. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes with wire mesh/screens with holes smaller than an adult mosquito
- Mosquito fish can be used in ornamental ponds, water troughs, and abandoned pools.
Prevention of mosquitoes in the home.
- Make sure doors, windows, vents, and other penetrations are properly protected
- Don’t leave the doors open
- Visually inspect for mosquitoes before going to bed. Check ceilings, closets, windows and curtains where mosquitoes tend to hide.
