Mosquitoes in South Bend test positive for West Nile Virus
Posted: Aug 25, 2016 6:21 PM EST
The Indiana State Department of Health has identified pools of West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes in South Bend, according to the St. Joseph County Health Department.
St. Joseph County is one of 27 Indiana counties where mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were found.
The county is concerned because of recent flooding, there is an increased potential for mosquito breeding.
The St. Joseph County Health Department offers these tips:
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning);
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin;
- Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas;
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
There are steps you can take on your property to reduce potential breeding sites:
- Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
- Repair failed septic systems;
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
- Frequently replace the water in pet bowls.
- Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically, and aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish.
- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use (a wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if not used on a regular basis).