What can each Homeowner Do?
Teton County residents can control mosquitoes on their own property quite effectively. Without a doubt the most effective control methods are common sense and non-chemical, because they tend to be permanent. Mosquito populations can be reduced on your property by eliminating standing water. However, in some areas where standing water cannot be eliminated, the TCMAD can treat these sites with an appropriate lavicide.
Personal Protection:
To assist in reducing the risk of West Nile Virus, The TCMAD recommends the following:
- All residents, especially those who live in and around freshwater swampy areas, wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants and use mosquito repellents just before dusk and into the evening.
- Limit unnecessary trips into mosquito breeding grounds and marshes. If you are camping overnight or participating in other outdoor activities, the personal precautions stated above should be taken.
- It is especially important that infants and young children be protected against mosquitoes. Children spend a great deal of time outdoors in the summertime and tend not to notice or protect themselves against mosquitoes as readily as adults. Limit children's outdoor play when mosquito activity is at its daily peak - between a half hour before and one hour after sunset.
- Insect repellents that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are helpful in preventing mosquito bites. However, DEET may cause allergic and toxic reactions in children and adults, especially when used on the skin repeatedly and/or in high concentrations (over 20-30%). Use insect repellents only as directed; using more DEET than necessary will not improve protection but will increase the likelihood of toxicity or allergic reactions. Do not use DEET repellents on infants and caution children to avoid getting repellents in their eyes.
- Mosquito activity is higher at temperatures above 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when the warm period is preceded by one or more cool nights. Mosquito activity is also higher under conditions of high humidity and/or no wind, and in shaded areas.
- Screens are the single best protection against mosquito-borne diseases while indoors. Inspect all screens for holes. Make sure that screens are used on all open doors and windows, especially in the evening and early morning hours.
Remove Standing Water:
- Old buckets, tires, boats or any other debris should be removed.
- Birdbaths should have their water changed each week.
- Keep grass mowed and clear unwanted brush from the yard.
- Low spots in the lawn that collect standing water should be filled.
- Keep the gutters on your house clean and free of debris or leaves that prevents them from draining.
- Check your property for any object or area that can retain standing water and eliminate it, or if not possible, drain it twice per week.
- Be sure your door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair. Repair any holes or tears in the screen mesh and plug or repair any openings around the frames.
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