Concerned about West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus carried by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites, the virus is transmitted to humans, horses, many varieties of birds, and some other animals. For the most up to date information, please visit www.westnile.ca.gov, or for more local information contact the Marin Sonoma Mosquito Vector Control District at 1-800-231-3236. You can also download the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture WestNile Virus Strategy and Communications Plan 2004

Tips to eliminate mosquito breeding areas:

• Eliminate standing water around buildings to stop mosquito breeding (bird baths, plant saucers, containers, septic tanks, sump pumps, water under homes, plastic pools, tires, etc.) A single mosquito can breed in one tablespoon of water producing over 150 offspring.
• Change animal drinking water troughs and bowls frequently or stock with mosquito fish.
• Clean clogged gutters that may back up with stagnant water.
• Maintain garden ponds and keep stocked with mosquito fish.
• Use tablets such as mosquito dunks containing the active ingredient bacillus thuringiensis in ponds or other areas of standing water.
• Manage irrigation water to avoid pooling.
• Rinse bird baths every 4 - 5 days. (If the water is chlorinated, mosquitoes won't lay their eggs. When chlorine dissipates, or water is not chlorinated, it takes about 5 days for a mosquito to go from an egg to an adult.)
• Fill treeholes with polymer. (It absorbs any standing water.)

  Bite Prevention Methods:

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active (especially applies to the elderly and young children).
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and shoes with socks when outside.
• Make sure your doors and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes and tears.
• Use less toxic mosquito repellent products around the home.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin if planning extended outdoor activities (See fact sheet listed below).
• See the Less Toxic Pest Management Fact Sheet on Mosquitoes available through the Our Water Our World Program.

  DO NOT treat creeks, wetlands, street gutters, ditches, or storm drains with pesticide products!
  

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Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program: P. O. Box 4186 San Rafael, CA 94913-4186 Phone (415) 499-6528, Fax (415) 499-7221, e-mail: mcstoppp@co.marin.ca.us