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News
Mosquito
Prevention Key in Flood Recovery
Posted 25 June 2008
Heavy rains and receding flood waters across Iowa are pooling into
perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Iowa Department of Public
Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans the next phase of flood recovery includes
the prevention and protection against the annoying insects.
"Although they are a tremendous nuisance, floodwater mosquitoes
normally don't carry diseases such as West Nile and LaCrosse
Encephalitis," said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. "The
mosquitoes that typically spread disease in Iowa usually appear later
in the year. However, Iowans should be taking steps now to help reduce
the risk in the future." Iowans play a large role in eliminating
potential breeding habitats for mosquitoes by getting rid of standing
water around their homes. You can help control mosquitoes by:
* Removing their habitat (where they live and breed)
o Drain any
places with standing water to reduce where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
(This includes flower pots, old tires, rain gutters, plastic covers,
cans, etc.)
o Empty and
change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels
and potted plant trays at least once a week to stop mosquitoes from
breeding.
o Keep swimming
pool water treated and circulating.
* Preventing your exposure to mosquitoes
o Apply
EPA-approved insect repellents when necessary and follow label
directions and precautions closely. For more information on approved
repellents, visit
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm.
o Wear long
sleeves and long pants.
o Make sure
window and door screens are "bug tight."
o Be aware of
peak hours of mosquito activity: dusk and dawn.
o Replace your
outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights which tend to attract fewer
mosquitoes than ordinary light. The yellow lights are NOT repellents,
however.
Some communities have Mosquito Control Spraying programs; others do
not. While the spraying of pesticides does reduce the number of
mosquitoes, some people are concerned about the health risks that such
programs may present. Although spray programs pose a low risk to public
health, some people may prefer to avoid or minimize exposure. To reduce
exposure:
* Remain indoors during applications in the
immediate area near your home.
* Close windows and turn off window-unit air
conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area.
* Do not let children play near or behind
trunk-mounted applicators.
* Wash hands and face after returning indoors while
spraying is being conducted.
For more information on mosquito control, visit
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
For more health-related flood information, visit
www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/flood.asp.
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