LAKEPORT, Calif. – June means lots of outdoor activities in Lake County — graduations, Father’s Day, barbecues, pool parties, the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation.
It also means mosquito season, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and diseases like West Nile virus.
“Right now we’re seeing more mosquitoes than we usually do in June,” said Dr. Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “Warmer weather means mosquitoes develop faster and feed more often. This means that they have more opportunities to transmit diseases like West Nile virus.”
Dr. Scott recommends that residents take a few basic steps to protect their family and their community from mosquito bites.
Simple steps to fight mosquitoes:
• Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes develop in even small amounts of water. Empty wheelbarrows, planters, toys, and anything that can hold water.
• Avoid dusk and dawn: This is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear protective clothing: Cover up with long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
Use mosquito repellent: Choose an EPA-registered repellent and follow label instructions.
Scott reminds residents and visitors alike that if they need help with a mosquito problem, call the district at 707-263-4770 or visit the district’s website to request service. “We want to help everyone enjoy a safe and healthy summer in Lake County.”
Vector Control also has free mosquito-eating fish to prevent mosquitoes in animal stock tanks, water gardens, fountains, or out-of-service pools and spas. The fastest way to get the mosquitofish is to pick them up from Vector Control’s main office in Lakeport. Please call first to make sure that we have fish available.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or who have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on their property that they would like treated, should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or submit a request www.LCVCD.org.
For more information about West Nile virus or to report a dead bird, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.
Vector Control offers tips to stay safe as summer heats up
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
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