This
press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health
Department.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL –
“The Alachua County Health Department would like to remind citizens and visitors
the importance of preventing infection from mosquito-borne diseases as our
surveillance system is detecting the presence mosquito borne viruses,” said
Anthony Dennis, Environmental Health Director, Florida Department of Health in
Alachua County.
To prevent
mosquito-borne diseases, the Florida Department of Health recommends practicing
Drain and Cover:
DRAIN
and COVER
DRAIN
standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- DRAIN: water from
garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any
other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- DISCARD: old tires,
drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that
aren't being used.
- EMPTY and CLEAN:
birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once a week.
- PROTECT: boats and
vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
- MAINTAIN: the water
balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when
not in use.
COVER
your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
- If outside when
mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long
sleeves.
- Always read label
directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to
skin. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products with
concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other
EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active
ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect
repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- When protecting
children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus
should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not
recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
- Infants should be
kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes
are present.
- If additional
protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your
clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.
COVER
doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
- Keep mosquitoes out
of houses. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and
patios.
Rid
the wrigglers: Lose the larvae
Mosquitoes
lay their eggs where there is moisture. It takes only a few days for an egg to
grow into an adult mosquito, which can live for several weeks. During that time,
an adult female mosquito can lay many eggs. In order to produce eggs, the adult
female seeks a host (such as a bird, a horse, or a human) to provide a blood
meal. Some species of adult mosquitoes can fly two miles from their breeding
sites (even further if blown by the wind). Elimination of mosquito breeding
sites is one of the keys to prevention.
- Remove standing
water in old tires, buckets, garbage cans or any other containers.
- Clean out gutters.
Check flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
- Cover barrels and
trash containers tightly with a lid or with a fine mesh screening
material.
- Empty plastic wading
pools at least once a week. Store them indoors when not in use.
- Turn over or remove
empty plastic pots.
- Remove old tires or
drill drain holes in those used in playgrounds.
- Level the ground
around your home so water can run off.
- Fill in holes or
depressions near your home that collect water.
- Pick up all beverage
containers and cups.
- Store boats covered
or upside down.
- Check tarps on boats
or other equipment that may collect water.
- Pump out bilges on
boats.
- Treat standing water
with products that kill mosquito larvae. These are available at home improvement
stores and garden centers.
- Fill in tree holes
and hollow stumps that hold water.
- Stock water gardens
with mosquito-eating fish like minnows, gambusia, goldfish or
guppies.
- Remove vegetation or
blockages in drainage ditches so that water can flow through.
For
more information, see the CDC's guidelines: or the EPA
guidelines:
Report
mosquito problem to the local municipality’s mosquito control, or the Alachua
County Health Department at 352-334-7930.
For
more information, contact Anthony Dennis at 352-334-7930.