Tuesday, August 26, 2008

West Nile virus prevention measures

The following are some recommendations issued by the Montgomery County Health Department to help in eliminating mosquito breeding areas. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus.

* Identify and eliminate all standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than five days.

* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property. Pay special attention to discarded tires.

*Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

* Clean and unblock all roof gutters.

* Empty and turn over wading pools when not in use.

* Turn over wheelbarrows.

* Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

* Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito breeding grounds if the water is allowed to stagnate.

* Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated. Mosquitoes also can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

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