Nothing like a little spring rain to bring new life, colorful flowers, green leafy plants and, well, a brand new generation of mosquitoes to Southwest Washington.
The disease-spreading blood-suckers are in prime form right now, looking for good breeding spots in sources of standing water to grow their numbers.
Clark County Public Health — which obviously doesn’t believe in free mosquito love — is warning people to get ahead of the problem by checking areas around the home and removing breeding spots.
Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and other diseases, so it’s best to err on the side of caution, said Don Strick, a spokesman for the agency.
“This is more about prevention,” Strick said. “We’re trying to get people used to doing this every month around the house.”
The agency suggests draining standing water from old tires, flower pots, plastic tarps, wheelbarrows and other items. Water should be changed in bird baths, ponds and pet bowls at least twice a week.
“Culex mosquitoes become active in the warm summer months, so this is a good time to get rid of any areas of standing water,” said Steve Kessler, operations manager for the Mosquito Control District. “Mosquitoes need only a few teaspoons of water to reproduce, so inspect your property carefully.”
West Nile Virus can cause such symptoms as fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases it can also cause neurological symptoms that can become permanent.
The disease first came to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. The past few years have been relatively mild in terms of new cases, but the risk remains, Strick said.
“We really don’t know what the season’s going to be like,” Strick said. “It really varies from year to year.”
The agency also advises use of mosquito repellent with DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and suggests repairing screens and windows and the use of long-sleeved clothing in wooded areas.
Visit www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/about/mosquito.html or call 360-397-8430 for information.
