Four samples from mosquito pools in Lowndes County, Georgia have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Georgia Department of Public Health plan to trap and test mosquitoes in nine additional counties this Summer.
If contracted, West Nile Virus may cause flu-like symptoms and in some instances, paralysis or even death. Older individuals are the most likely to contract West Nile Virus, as their immune systems are weaker. Other mosquito borne diseases include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and La Crosse encephalitis (LAC). Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) was reported last year in Georgia for the first time since the 1970s. below are several tips you can utilize to control mosquito populations.
Control mosquitoes outside your home
Remove standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
- Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
- For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
- If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Kill mosquitoes outside your home
- Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest.
- Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow label instructions.
Control mosquitoes inside your home
Keep mosquitoes out
- Install or repair and use window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.
- Use air conditioning when possible.
Kill mosquitoes inside your home
- Kill mosquitoes inside your home. Use an indoor insect fogger* or indoor insect spray* to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied. When using insecticides, always follow label directions. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under the sink, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room.