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Things You Can Do

Health departments try to control mosquito populations with spraying, but there are other things you can do to also eliminate breeding grounds and adults.

Headlines
• Eliminate Stagnant Water To Reduce West Nile Risk
• Fight West Nile With Bats

Build a Bat House
• Download plans for a bat house, or learn about buying one from Bat Conservation International.

• Call or visit the World Bird Sanctuary for more free bat house plans, 636-861-3225.

Attract Purple Martins
• Find out more about building bird houses from the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

• Download a free PDF for a purple martin birdhouse from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

• Download a free PDF plan for a large purple martin birdhouse from North Dakota State University.

Prevent West Nile: Avoid Mosquito Bites

While there is no human vaccine yet available for West Nile virus, there are many ways to reduce the risk of becoming infected:

• Report unusually high numbers of dead or dying birds to your city, county, or state health department.

• Alert health authorities to potential mosquito breeding sites in your area.

• Avoid activities in areas where large numbers of mosquitoes are present.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever in mosquito-filled areas.

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, always following manufacturer's directions for use on the label. An effective repellent will contain the active ingredient DEET.

• Avoid applying repellent to children under 2 years of age, and to the hands of older children because repellents may be transferred to the eyes or mouth, potentially causing irritation or adverse health effects.

• Drain standing water in your yard. Empty water from potential mosquito breeding sites including flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans and similar items in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.

• Maintain window and door screening to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.

Horses

Since WNV can effect horses, equine owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to discuss appropriate prevention measures.

Some prevention tips for horses:

• Use approved insect repellants to protect horses.

• Place horses in stables, stalls or barns during prime mosquito exposure hours of dawn and dusk, and other times when mosquitoes are present.

• Eliminate standing water in drain troughs and buckets at least weekly.

Consult with local veterinarian about using the now available approved vaccine to help control WNV infection in horses. Note: While it has been shown safe for use, efficacy has not yet been proven.

© Centers for Disease Control