a YING INSECTUS ORRIBILUS WoO A Avoiding Mosquitoes And Mosquito-Borne isease \ (NAPSA)—Controlling mosqui- toes could be good for your family’s health. Mosquitoes and the dis- eases they can transmit, like West Nile Virus, present serious public health risks. According to the Cen- ters for isease Control and Pre- vention (CC), West Nile Virus has now been found in 43 states and Washington, .C. and is responsible for nearly 250 deaths. West Nile Virus can lead to serious complications of the liver or nervous system, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or paralysis. Mosquitoes can also transmit four types of encephalitis and malaria was detected in mosquitoes in Fairfax County, Virginia in 2002. Also, travelers introduce 100 to 200 cases of mosquito- borne dengue fever to the United States each year. While these diseases are seri- ous public health concerns, there are steps homeowners and business owners can take to protect their families and property. The National Pest Management Asso- ciation (NPMA) recommends the following steps to help control mosquitoes: e Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by cleaning out gutters and other areas where standing water may be present such as bird baths, ponds and non-filtered swimming pools. e Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh that is 18x18 strands per square inch or finer. e Remove unneeded vegetation I Y Hy ag | —— | Buzz Off—Controlling mosqui- toes can help keep your family safe. fish such as gambusia, green sun- fish, bluegills or minnows to standing water. e Avoid going outside during dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are mostactive. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably treated with insect repellent, when spending time outdoors. According to Cindy Mannes, director of public affairs for NPMA, manylicensed and trained pest control professionals offer mosquito management services 1n addition to traditional pest control services used by homesand busi- nesses. Many pest control profes- sionals will provide a free inspection of a home or business to locate potential mosquito breeding sites and advise on mosquito control methods, Mannessaid. ing water sources that cannot be changed, dumpedor removed. NPMA provides a national online consumerreferral service for homeowners who need to ing N,N-diethylbenzamide (EET) in their area. To use the referral or trash from around any stand- Use insect repellent contain- on exposed skin. e Introduce mosquito-eating locate a pest control professional service, people can visit www.pest world.org/homeowners.
