Tips for Avoiding West Nile Virus

City workers treated all city-owned storm water catch basins by July with a slow-release, 150-day larvicide known to kill mosquitoes.  The chemicals in the briquettes, approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency, are expected to reduce the mosquito population and decrease the risk of West Nile Virus infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people practice the Three R’s to protect themselves: 

REDUCE areas where mosquitoes breed. Eliminate standing water that collects in toys, buckets, tires, unused pools, clogged roof gutters, birdbaths and other containers.

REPEL against mosquitoes. Use insect repellants. Follow manufacturers’ guidelines and don’t use on children younger than 2 years old. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.

REPORT the location of any dead bird to the Oakland County Health Division at 877-377-3641.  Mosquitoes become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus.

All property owners are encouraged to evaluate water on their property.  If the water is in a creek or retention area that is healthy, running, or non-stagnant, it’s not considered a prime area for mosquito breeding and won't need to be treated. 

If the water is stagnant, like in a private storm sewer catch basin in a driveway, backyard, side yard, or subdivision open space, it can be treated with a drop-in larvicide from a local retailer.

For more information on preventing the spread of West Nile Virus, visit Oakland County's website.