May 26, 2011
05/27/11 The wet spring has produced a LARGE number of nuisance mosquitoes. Marshall County Health Officer Dr. Byron Holm urges county residents to take the following protective steps when they are outdoors to help protect themselves from mosquito bites:
*Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dark to dawn, when possible.
*Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.
*Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
The mosquitoes that carry disease are container breeds. While the threat of mosquito bone disease is higher in August and September, it can still be a danger anytime mosquitoes are out. Therefore the Marshall County Health Department is asking residents to rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds:
*Containers are items that hold water such as old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other items that can hold water; these should be discarded or stored so they do not hold water.
*Every week, empty and clean any containers use to hold water; do not forget bird baths.
* Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly it leaves tend to plug up the drains.
* Tree holes or pockets that hold water should be filled or drained, these are natural containers.
* Keep grass but short and shrubbery trimmed.
*Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
*Repair failed septic systems.
Do not forget your dog’s heartworm medication; many of the nuisance biters carry heartworm parasite.
For more information, visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.statehealth.IN.gov and search on mosquitoes.