Hamilton County Public Health urges residents to take steps to control mosquitos and mosquito-borne illnesses.

Hamilton County Public Health advises all Hamilton County residents DRAIN, DUNK and PROTECT in an effort to reduce the mosquito population and prevent West Nile Virus:

DRAIN:
-Look for and drain sources of standing water on your property such as litter, tires, buckets, flower pots, wading pools and similar items that could hold standing water and become mosquito breeding sites. 
-Frequently change water in bird baths and pet bowls. 
-Drain small puddles after heavy rainstorms.

DUNK:
-Apply mosquito larvicide, sometimes called mosquito “dunks,” to areas of standing water that cannot be drained. The “dunks” are environmentally safe and won’t harm pets. Purchase them at your local hardware store.

PROTECT:
-Cut your grass and trim shrubbery.
-Make sure screens in windows and doors are tight-fitting and free from defect.
-Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours – dawn and dusk.
-Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon or eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package.

Hamilton County Public Health also recommends preventing mosquito bites by avoiding infested areas, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and by tucking pant legs into boots and socks.

For more information on protecting yourself and your home from mosquitoes, download the brochure by Hamilton County Public Health.