Fight the Bite

Posted by – Shawn Keenan, Water Resources Coordinator

Its summer! Time to go outdoors and enjoy gardens, parks, patios and pools. It’s also the time of year when the battle against mosquitoes begins.

There are 57 species of mosquitoes in Michigan and they all have one thing in common; they all need water in which to lay their eggs.  The species of mosquito that is most associated with the transmission of West Nile Virus is the Culex Pipien whose preferred breeding habitat is fowl water and containers.

The City of Auburn Hills has taken steps to help control the spread of West Nile Virus by implementing a plan approved by the Oakland County Health Department which calls for the treatment of City-owned catch basins with a larvicide.

Ben Franklin said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By taking just a few simple steps, you can fight the bite and prevent illness.

• Drain standing water in your yard.  Empty water from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans and similar items in which mosquitoes can lay eggs
• Minimize activities in areas where mosquitoes are present (such as shade areas)
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using effective insect repellents containing DEET,  Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535, all of which are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Always follow manufacturer’s directions carefully
• Be careful using repellent on the hands of children because repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth
• Maintain window and door screening to keep mosquitoes out of buildings

Help keep those mosquitos at bay and enjoy a safe and healthy summer!