With the continuous rain and warm weather WCPH is encouraging everyone to take time to reduce mosquito breeding sites around the home, and to protect themselves from mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
According to Jeff Ritchey of Wyandot County Public Health Department, many of the most common breeding sites can go unnoticed by homeowners. “We have all seen the flower pots, buckets, and even kiddie pools that fill with rainwater in the back yard, which are all places for mosquitoes to breed. But we should also be inspecting things like our roof gutters that can hold water due to accumulated leaves and debris.” To help reduce mosquito breeding around your home, you should regularly:
o Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths, etc.
o Keep weeds cut short to help limit mosquito resting places.
o Clean ditches so water can flow, and fill holes that hold water with gravel or dirt.
Protecting yourself from being bitten is the easiest way to prevent contracting diseases carried by mosquitoes. When you plan to be outdoors this summer, please follow these simple recommendations:
o Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellents whenever mosquitoes are present following label instructions.
o Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.
o Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
Parents, remember, avoiding mosquitoes doesn’t mean kids have to stay inside in front of the TV. Encourage them to play outdoors. Take a few seconds to apply an effective repellent to exposed skin and clothing before venturing out to help everyone stay healthy.
For more information regarding steps you can take to protect your family’s health from mosquito bites this summer, please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website at: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/zdp and follow Wyandot County Public Health on Facebook for regular health related tips.
