West Nile Virus

In the news of late there has been talk about the West Nile Virus outbreak in Texas. There are other states that involved also. But here is some good information on the subject.

There is great information out there and all you need to do is do a simple search and get the info you need. You can visit your state, county, town, or city websites, health dept websites, etc to see if you need to know what is going on in your area, also they will give you some prevent tips everyone could use to simply to keep the pesky little buggers at bay!

Here is a copy and pasted information from the CDC on the subject, as I do not have proficiency in west nile virus and the like. Here is there link if you want to visit there website. They have all this information in a PDF form for easy printing and saving needs for you!

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.

What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?

New! Prevention measures consist of community-based mosquito control programs that are able to reduce vector populations, personal protection measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by infected mosquitoes, and the underlying surveillance programs that characterize spatial/temporal patterns in risk that allow health and vector control agencies to target their interventions and resources.

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.

• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.                         

There is more great info on the site, signs, symptoms, etc.

Keeping the BUGS at bay

We all have to think about keeping bugs, and other pests at bay. Nobody wants them in our homes. There are time you have to hire a pest control service to spray for bugs, but in the mean time you should do a few things to help keep them at bay!

Do not invite bugs to live near your home. Keep plants, bushes and trees away from the sides of your home. Do not let the vegetation to grow on your home.

Do not use compost around the foundation of your home. This will invite all kinds of bugs and such to make their home there.

Rake up all leaves and debris from the foundation and the sides of your home.

Make sure the water drains away from your home. Check your rain gutters and see that water drains away from the home.

Keep your lawn trimmed and raked.

Keep your home clean! Clean up on a regular basis. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sinks. Take out the trash or garbage each night. Sweep and mop your kitchen on a regular basis. This is the most basic and most useful thing I can stress! By cleaning your home and keeping your home clean you will not have as much problems as those who live in an unclean home.

Fix any leaky plumbing. Do not allow standing water inside your home.

Store food in sealed glass or plastic containers. Clean up spills and wipe up and clean out cupboards on a regular basis.

Remove and block off indoor pest hiding places.

Block pest entryways.

Clean up after your pet. Keep the puppy piles cleaned up outside. Do not let the food or water sit in bowls. Clean bowls regularly. Do not let food sit in bowls for long periods of time. Refill the water bowls daily with fresh water.

Store fire wood away from the home.

I found a really good PDF on pests and such.

www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf


Of course this is all info for you to do with what your want. Do a search and see what bugs and pests you have in your area. Consult professionals in your area that can give you tips and ideas and even free quotes. Some places need to come out monthly, some bi-monthly, and quarterly and so on. You need to decide what is best for you. No one wants little critters that carry diseases in our homes. I am sure there are things you can plant, use and such that you can do for little to no money. But that is another topic. You have to decide what you need to do for your family and your home.