HEALTH ALERT: Mosquito Season Arrives Early in Michigan

(Oakland County Health Division, Ferndale 115 News, April 1, 2012 ed)

Oakland County Health Division urges residents to take preventive measures now to keep the mosquito population low this season and help prevent West Nile Virus (WNV) or other mosquito-borne diseases because mosquitoes have arrived early this year. A mild winter and warmer than normal spring temperatures have resulted in the mosquito season in Oakland County starting two to three weeks ahead of the usual late March/early April hatch of spring floodwater mosquitoes.

Spring mosquitoes do not usually transmit WNV or other mosquito-borne diseases. Reducing mosquito breeding sites now and throughout the summer months, however, can reduce the number of mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-borne disease.

Prevention measures to reduce the mosquito population and mosquito-borne disease include:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home. Empty standing water from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, old tires, buckets, barrels, cans and similar items where mosquitoes can lay eggs.  For a list of other nonchemical mosquito control suggestions visit the State of Michigan Emerging Disease Issues website at: www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0,4579,7-186-25805_25824-75796–,00.html
• Use an insect repellent that contains an active ingredient approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions, especially when using these products on or around children.  Visit the EPA website at: www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes/ai_insectrp.htm
• Avoid shaded and wooded areas where mosquitoes may be present
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors
• Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside

You can find more information and a WNV fact sheet at www.oakgov.com/health.