Fight insect bites this summer with these prevention tips

June 7, 2024

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 16-22, and the Oswego County Health Department is using the opportunity to raise awareness about preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

“Summer is a great time to be outdoors, but it's also the season when mosquitoes are most active,” said Bella Dunsmore, Oswego County Public Health Director. “One mosquito bite may only leave you with a red, itchy mark, but bites can also cause serious illnesses. It's important to be mindful of the risks and take steps to avoid bites whenever possible.”

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is organized annually by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). The purpose of the event is to educate the public about the significant impact mosquitoes have on people's daily lives and to recognize the important service provided by mosquito control workers in the United States and around the world.

Although mosquitoes are typically thought of as nuisance pests, they can transmit diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Occasionally, mosquitoes can transmit these viruses to people and some animals, causing illness and sometimes death.

While it's unlikely that you'll contract a disease through a mosquito bite, there are simple steps people can take to reduce the risk of being bitten. According to the AMCA, three things attract mosquitoes: standing water, bare skin, and dark-colored clothing.

The AMCA recommends following the three “D's” to keep mosquitoes at bay:

• Drainage: Empty water containers at least once a week to prevent puddles that attract mosquitoes.
• Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Protection: Properly apply EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, and lemon eucalyptus oil.

Caitlin Parkhurst, environmental division director for the Oswego County Health Department, advised residents of other steps they can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

“Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active,” she said. “Make sure your windows and doors have screens, and repair or replace any that have rips, tears or holes.”

The health department also reminds residents of the importance of eliminating standing water and reducing mosquito breeding sites.

“Mosquitoes need water to live, so eliminating water sources around your home is essential to preventing mosquito breeding,” said Chris Williams, assistant Oswego County public health sanitarian. “Clear clogged drains, change the water in bird baths twice a week, and cover rainwater tanks with screens or use mosquito dunks to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in these areas.”

The Health Department and the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) have partnered to distribute free mosquito repellent kits for use in certain situations. Each kit contains larvicidal agent and should be used according to the instructions provided.

Homeowners can pick up a kit at the Oswego County Health Department front desk (Entrance B, 70 Bunner St., Oswego), the main entrance of OCSWCD (3105 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton), or at a local municipal facility. For more information about mosquito repellent kits, 315-592-9663 or Click here for details.

The Oswego County Health Department monitors for mosquito-borne viruses that pose a risk to human health. Primary efforts focus on West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), which are the most common mosquito-borne viruses and pose the greatest public health risk in New York State.

All activities will be conducted in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health. Activities will include training staff in trapping, identifying and testing mosquitoes, consulting health care providers and veterinarians about mosquito-borne diseases in humans and animals, providing community education, and analyzing surveillance information to guide local decision-making on prevention and control measures.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases and “avoid mosquito bites” strategies, privacy policy Or call the Oswego County Health Department. 315-349-3547.