Residents should take precautions to protect against WNV

OC VECTOR CONTROL

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is reporting an increase of mosquitoes that are positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in areas of the county. A residential truck-mounted adult mosquito control treatment is being applied in Fullerton to reduce the risk of WNV infection in people through Sept. 17.

More information about treatments is available at https://www. ocvector.org/residential-truckmounted- treatments.

The OCMVCD will continue to track WNV positive mosquito samples throughout the county and may add additional treatment areas and dates throughout the remainder of the year.

Residents in treatment areas will be notified prior to the first treatment in their area with signs posted in their neighborhoods or door hangers left at their doors. Future treatments will be posted on the OCMVCD website and emailed out through the e-alert system.

Residents can sign up for alerts regarding treatment in their area on the OCMVCD website. For more information about subscribing to the alert system, go to https://www.ocvector.org/signup- for-treatment-disease-alerts.

All control products used by OCMVCD are registered by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and to safeguard public health.

“As OCMVCD continues to identify and treat mosquito breeding sources, it is essential that residents do their part in eliminating standing water on their properties.

“Even a capful of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes,” said Heather Hyland, public information officer.

Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes:

• Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week.

• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.

• Dump water from potted plant saucers.

• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water.

• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.

To prevent mosquito bites, the OCMVCD offers the following tips:

• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended.

• Wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Close unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes or spaces.

• Repair broken or damaged screens.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lightercolored clothing.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility.

Orange County residents are urged to inspect their property for possible mosquito breeding sources and to educate their neighbors to help keep their neighborhoods mosquito-free.

Visit ocvector.org to learn more about what you can do to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your property.