How to Avoid Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
According to the KWCH, most of Kansas is now at high risk for West Nile Virus. This means there are carrier mosquitoes in our area.
The Kansas Department of Health uses three factors in its risk assessment:
- Temperature
- Mosquito surveillance data
- Human cases of West Nile
Excessive heat combined with our wet spring makes the perfect breeding ground.
West Nile is the most common mosquito-vectored illness in the continental United States, and one you want to take precautions from. Let’s look at some tips for preventing the spread of mosquitoes and reducing your chances of being bitten.
Attend to Your Pool and Hot Tub Water
You always want to have the appropriate levels of an EPA-registered sanitizer in your pool or spa. You don’t want your pool or your spa to operate with a sanitizer. Make certain that the water is properly balanced.
And never allow your water to sit stagnant. This is an open invitation to mosquitoes that you have a great breeding ground.
Provide Proper Maintenance
Another way to prevent an influx of mosquitoes and fight the ongoing risk is to properly maintain your pool. Brush and vacuum it and provide proper filtration to reduce the availability of organic debris mosquito larvae need to survive.
At least once a week and always after a rain, drain the water off your pool and hot tub covers.
Attend to Standing Water
If you have flower pots, wagons, buckets, pet dishes, birdbaths, or puddles of standing water in your backyard, get rid of it.
Your goal is to keep mosquitoes from breeding to slow the speed of the West Nile Virus.
Wait to Go Outside
Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, but most species are exceptionally active from dusk until dawn. Wear mosquito-resistant clothing and use DEET-containing repellents to decrease your chances of being bitten.
In addition, when you can, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when gardening or playing outside.
Final Thoughts
You can enjoy your pool and spa but do be careful to maintain your water, pool, and spa covers, and standing water in your yard.
Follow the guidelines: avoid mosquitos, wear mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits, dump standing water, and use mosquito netting when outside for long periods of time.
Above all, have a great summer!
Photo by Егор Камелев on Unsplash
