KATHY’S “HOME & GARDEN” BLOG – DON’T GET BITTEN

KATHY’S "HOME & GARDEN" BLOG – DON’T GET BITTEN

DANGER: WEST NILE VIRUS IS STILL HERE!

I don’t think people take the threat of West Nile virus seriously enough. I’m driving along and hear a commercial on the radio. The pain in the husband’s voice as he recounts what happened is truly heartbreaking. His wife was bitten by a mosquito while they were in their backyard one evening and she joked "I hope that wasn’t a West Nile mosquito." The sad part of this story is that unfortunately it was. She became ill went into a coma and succumbed to the illness several months later. Chilling does not even begin to describe how that message came across to me.

There are several ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding near your home. Some of this may seem obvious but an ouce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure especially in this instance.

• Remove any standing water from around your home at least once a week or eliminate those sources altogether. Below are some likely areas that you may overlook or simply forget to check.

1. Flowerpots and pet food dishes
2. Buckets barrels or cans
3. Pool covers
4. Clogged gutters (definitely clean those out)
5. Under bushes and porches

• Keep screens in the doors and windows in good repair.
• Wear insect repellant every time you go outside. Use a repellant with the highest amount of DEET you can find.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Stay indoors at dusk and/or early evening.

If you’re going to stay outside use a cabana with mosquito netting. You can still enjoy the evening without having to worry about mosquitoes and other pests.

DEAN’S TEAM LAWN & GARDEN EDITOR

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH