June 20th kicks off National Mosquito Control Awareness Week! This is the time of year when those pesky pests known as mosquitoes come out in full force with their buzzing, biting and blood-sucking ways.
There are several types of mosquitoes in and around Riverside County that are capable of transmitting viruses such as Dengue, Zika and West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes can breed in urban, populated areas and can be difficult to get rid of unless communities are willing to band together and help.
Did you know that standing water, dark clothing and bare skin are three things that mosquitos find irresistible?
Follow the 3 D’s to help prevent mosquito bites:
- Drain – Empty out water containers at least once per week. Mosquitoes need stagnate water in order to complete their life cycle.
- Dress – Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when outside.
- Defend – Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
3 more Ds to prevent mosquitoes and help our watershed at the same time:
- Drought Tolerant Plants – Prevent excess water by adding drought tolerant plants to your landscaping.
- DIY Damaged Sprinklers – Avoid creating small ponds in your garden by repairing damaged sprinklers.
- Don’t Dump – Discarded trash can collect water and become the perfect home for mosquitoes.
Visit our friends at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District for more mosquito facts, protection, and prevention tips.
