Tips To Prevent Mosquito Breeding, Bites

Lake County Health Department has confirmed that a mosquito pool in Buffalo Grove tested positive for West Nile virus. It is the first confirmed case in Lake County in 2011.

Recommendations to prevent mosquito breeding include:

• Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any water-holding containers. Poke holes in tires used as bumpers on docks.
• Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
• Keep trash containers covered.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
• Drain unused swimming pools.
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
• Change the water in birdbaths and plant urns at least once a week.
• Store boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly.

Recommendations to prevent mosquito bites include:

• Whenever possible, limit outdoor activity at dusk.
• Wear light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin and provides some protection from mosquito bites.
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and that all holes are repaired.
• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

West Nile Virus Hotline

The Health Department maintains a West Nile virus hotline for county residents to report areas of stagnant water, which are conducive for mosquito breeding, or to obtain more information about the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis. The West Nile hotline number is: 1-847-377-8300. 

For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Lake County website. 

Information provided by Lake County Health Department.