Tips to Prevent West Nile Virus - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Hamilton County Public Health continues to advise all Hamilton County residents to DRAIN, DUNK and PROTECT in an effort reduce the mosquito population and prevent West Nile Virus:

 DRAIN

• Look for and drain sources of standing water on your property – litter, tires, buckets, flower pots, wading pools and similar items that could create standing water and become mosquito breeding sites.
• Frequently change water in bird baths and pet bowls.
• Drain small puddles after heavy rainstorms.

 DUNK

• Apply mosquito larvicide, sometimes called mosquito "dunks," to areas of standing water that cannot be drained. The "dunks" are environmentally safe and won't harm pets. You can purchase them at your local hardware store.
  

PROTECT

• Cut your grass and trim shrubbery.
• Make sure screens in windows and doors are tight-fitting and free from defects.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours – dawn and dusk.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package.