DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

In the DC Metro area, summer weather marks mosquito season.  The Fairfax County Government urges area residents to reduce the threat of West Nile Virus by targeting still water in the following common areas:

• "Roof gutters:  Clean out leaves and debris frequently to ensure water flows freely and does not accumulate.
• Flexible plastic pipes for downspout drainage:  Grooves in plastic pipes can hold enough water to breed mosquitoes.  Treat with a larvicide.
• Buckets, watering cans, drinking glasses, plastic cups, bottle caps, or any trash that can hold water:  Store indoors or turn over.  If trash, recycle or throw away.
• Cans and containers:  Throw away, store indoors, turn upside down, drill holes in the bottom, or empty after rain showers. 
  
• Old tires:  Recycle, or store where they won't collect rainwater.  For playground use, drill water drainage holes.  Call (703) 324-5230 for disposal information.
• Bird baths:  Change the water or flush out and clean with a garden hose at least once a week.
• Ornamental ponds:  Stock with fish (fish eat mosquito larvae), or filter / aerate the water with a recirculation pump, or treat with a larvicide as needed.
  
• Puddles, and wet, soggy areas:  Drain the water or fill with dirt or other landscaping material.  Treat the area with a larvicide."
  

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes the answers to many frequently-asked questions regarding West Nile Virus, its symptoms, and prevention on their website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is another agency that encourages mosquito control, and experts there recommend that you reduce your exposure to mosquitoes with the following tips:

• "Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
• Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
• If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.
• Make sure window and door screens are 'bug tight.'
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow 'bug' lights which tend to attract less mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however."

Finally, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection notes that Bti, an organic mosquito repellent, has been made commercially available to homeowners.   Long used by that agency to control the insects, Bti is a naturally-occurring bacteria that can be added to birdbaths and backyard ponds, as it is not harmful to people, plants, or pets.  Bti can be purchased in lawn and garden stores, and on-line from many retailers.