The State Mosquito Management Program announced this week that mosquitoes trapped and tested by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Milford tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
According to Deepa D. Joseph, Milford Health Director, “September is the peak month for West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in Connecticut and we continue to urge everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites and to maintain their properties so that they prevent mosquitoes from breeding.”
The Milford Health Department is reminding residents to reduce mosquitoes around the home by:
· Disposing of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, etc. outside the house.
· Drilling holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling to keep them drained.
· Cleaning clogged roof gutters.
· Turning over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
· Changing water in birdbaths on a weekly basis.
· Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, and covering the pool when not in use.
· Using landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.
To avoid mosquito bites:
- Minimize time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
- Cover infant carriers with mosquito netting.
- Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions.
In an effort to control the mosquito population, Milford continues to apply mosquito larvicide to mosquito breeding sites throughout the City. For further information about West Nile Virus, call the Health Department at 203-783-3285 or visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.
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