How to Ready for Mosquito Season

Before the bite of mosquitoes hits a fever pitch, the Montgomery County Health Department shared some tips on ridding areas around homes of mosquito breeding grounds.

The reason for doing so, officials contend, is that West Nile Virus, which surfaced in the U.S. more than 10 years ago, is commonly transmitted back and forth between infected birds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of the disease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Easy steps to take in any backyard to remove potential breeding grounds for mosquitos include:

• Eliminating standing water from the property
• Cleaning debris from rain gutters
• Filling drain puddles and ditches
• Changing bird bath water once a week 
• Emptying and turning over containers that could collect water
• Checking for trapped water in canvas or plastic tarps.  
• Making sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of standing water
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Drilling several holes in the bottom of recycling buckets so water can drain from them. Trash containers should be covered so no rain can accumulate in them.
• Using an approved mosquito repellant when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Follow the label directions carefully. Do not apply to the face. (Check with a physician before applying repellents to children under age 3)           
• Discuss any concerns with your private physician.

The Montgomery County Health Department is actively larviciding public properties throughout the summer months. If the West Nile Virus activity poses a risk to human health, adulticiding or spraying may be necessary in targeted areas.

Residents who would like to be notified of when spraying will occur should sign up for the ReadyNotify service at https://montco.alertpa.org. Residents must register for “Health Alerts” to get notifications from the Health Department about West Nile Virus sprays and other emergent and non-emergent issues. Other information about West Nile Virus, including products used, can be found on the Health Department web site at http://health.montcopa.org.