INFORMATION ABOUT MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT, PERSONAL PROTECTION  AND THE WEST NILE VIRUS

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. The main host of this virus is the wild bird community (like crows). You can get West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus does not spread from person to person, nor is it spread from an infected bird to humans.

Mosquito Facts

Mosquitoes are small flying insects that feed on human and animal blood or plant juices. Only female mosquitoes bite to get a blood meal for their growing eggs. While mosquitoes are generally considered a nuisance, they occasionally can transmit disease. While there are about 43 different species of mosquitoes in the State of Connecticut, most mosquitoes do not transmit West Nile virus

Where do Mosquitoes Live and Breed?

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water that stands more than four days around the home. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes, which also may enter houses through unscreened windows or doors or broken screens.

When are Mosquitoes Most Active?

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm, and that is when the females are most likely to bite. However, they may be present at any time of the day..

Protecting Your Home

Mosquitoes can develop in any stagnant water that lasts more than 4 days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property:

• Reduce or eliminate all stagnant water.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito breeding site in the country.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.