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| Health Department Makes Mosquito Warning |
Summer is approaching and Knox County Health Department staff are reminding residents of the importance of eliminating mosquito-breeding sites around their homes. The house mosquito (Culex pipiens) is known to transmit the West Nile virus to humans after ingesting the virus from infected birds; therefore, the most basic means of preventing spread of the virus is by controlling the mosquito population.
"We encourage residents to be on the look out for small pools of water which may occur in discarded tires, tarps covering firewood, etc., these areas may be breeding grounds for mosquitoes," said Wil Hayes Director of Environmental Health. "Removing these areas where water collects aids in the reduction of mosquito reproduction; and prevents the mosquito population from impacting our summer quality of life."
Some of the steps to reducing exposure to mosquitoes include:
* Throw away all trash that can hold water, such as tin cans, jars, and old tires;
* Clean out rain gutters; be certain no water remains on flat roofs after rains;
* Change water in birdbaths at least once a week;
* Clean out and fill in tree holes with concrete;
* Stock decorative ponds with goldfish or mosquito-fish;
* Empty children's wading pools weekly;
* Fill in or drain low areas in your yard;
* Empty your pet's water bowl daily; and
* Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.
For more information about mosquito breeding sites or West Nile virus; contact the Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224; www.knoxcountyhealth.org.
(Submitted by Knox County Health Department) |
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| 05 01 09 by Newsroom |
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