Protecting Yourself and Your Animals From Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
 
Auburn, April 18, 2002---Mosquitoes are the primary carriers for West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis 
(EEE). The key to preventing or controlling future outbreaks of both diseases among people, horses and other livestock is 
to prevent or limit exposure to mosquitoes. 

First, reduce mosquito-breeding sites.  Reducing the population of mosquitoes can help prevent the spread of these 
diseases.

You should eliminate potential sources of stagnant water in which mosquitoes might breed.  Dispose of any water-holding 
containers, including discarded tires.  Store containers, such as buckets, in garages or barns.  If you must leave them 
outside, turn them over so that they do not collect rainwater.  Turn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in 
use.

Clean roof gutters annually.  

Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.  Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.  People with lily ponds can 
get mosquito fish (Gambusia), which eat larvae and live happily with goldfish.

If the water is constantly moving in an ornamental pond, there generally is not a problem with mosquitoes, unless there 
are aquatic plants for the larvae to hide among.   There are products available to control mosquitoes in the pond.  
Mosquito dunks or floating Bt briquettes control mosquito larvae and do not harm fish.  One briquette lasts about 30 days 
and treats 100 square feet of surface water.  You can find them in pet stores or stores that sell pond supplies.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use.  Mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on swimming 
pool covers and in clogged filter baskets. 

Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.  Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts 
more than four days. 

You may want to fill tree stumps with sand to prevent pools of water from forming in them.  

Also, keeping vegetation trimmed low can eliminate resting sites for mosquitoes in the daytime.

Make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good repair.  If possible, screen off entrances and vents to the 
crawl space under your home which is a popular spot for resting mosquitoes.  Close openings to abandoned sheds for the 
same reason.

You can continue your outdoor activities, but you should reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. 

Minimize the amount of time you spend outdoors between dusk and dawn.  Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-
sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are most active. 

You may want to use a mosquito repellent, applied according to label directions, when you are outdoors.   Repellents 
containing 14 percent DEET are considered the most effective for adults.  Use products with 10 percent DEET for children 
under the age of 12.

You should also decrease your animals' exposure to adult mosquitoes.

Housing animals in structures with well-maintained insect screening can reduce exposure to mosquitoes.  Be sure to first 
eliminate mosquitoes from inside the structure. This may be accomplished through a number of means, including the use 
of mosquito
adulticides.  In addition, the use of fans may reduce potential access of mosquitoes to equine or other livestock hosts. 

Use of insect repellents may be of some value in decreasing exposure of horses to adult mosquitoes. Due to practical 
limitations in the coverage area that may be achieved and due to limited duration of effectiveness, repellents should not 
be solely relied upon to prevent mosquito exposure.  Repellents should be used according to their label instructions 
regarding appropriate species, method of application and other precautions. 
	
Source:  Ashley Rossi, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service