For immediate release
June 25, 2003
Contact: Vickie Elisa
               (404) 294-3700

Tell Mosquitoes to Buzz Off!

This summer, tell mosquitoes to buzz off!
DeKalb residents can do a lot to reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes. The most important practice is getting rid of standing water, where mosquito eggs turn into flying adults.
To eliminate standing water around your home:
  • empty water from plant saucers, toys, spare tires and other possible containers,
  • clean gutters and flat roofs frequently,
  • keep air conditioner runoff from pooling,
  • change the water in pet dishes and bird baths twice a week, and
  • maintain clean water in kiddie pools and store unused pools so they won't collect water.

    To protect against mosquito bites:
  • spray exposed skin with insect repellent containing the chemical DEET (except pregnant women and infants), following product instructions,
  • make sure window and door screens are tight-fitting and in good repair, and
  • wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.

Since mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus to birds and humans, the DeKalb County Board of Health is monitoring dead birds to detect the virus' presence. "All dead birds should be reported. However, if the Board of Health has already tested many birds from your area, your reported bird may not be picked up," explains Board of Health Director Paul J. Wiesner, M.D. "We do not need to test every dead bird to get a good picture of West Nile virus in our county."

For more information on mosquito control and West Nile virus or to report a mosquito problem or dead bird, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health (404) 508-7871 or visit www.dekalbhealth.net.

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