What Can I do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentswith one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Find the insect repellent that’s right for you by usingEPA’s search tool.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or considers staying indoors during these hours
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
- Following label instructions, apply a mosquito repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Minimize your activities outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus pants, shoes and socks when you’re outdoors.
- To prevent mosquitoes from breeding near you
- Remove standing water whenever possible.
- Empty buckets and pet dishes on a daily basis and bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clear weeds and anything else that may block water from draining properly.
- Follow proper swimming pool maintenance procedures.
- Keep water moving in ponds or fountains.
To see more about preventing West Nile Virus, go here ↓