To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds where you live:
· Survey property for tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over to prevent water from collecting.
· Cover outdoor trash containers to keep rainwater from accumulating inside.
· Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
· Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
· Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs.
· Drain water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week.
· Sweep driveways after it rains so they are free of puddles.
· Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
To reduce your risk of mosquito bites:
· Avoid being outdoors in places and during times where and when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
· Use insect repellents with no more than 10 percent DEET on children, sparingly and with care.
· Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors. A concentration of 24 percent has been shown to provide an average of five hours of protection.
· Products containing DEET are not recommended for infants under two months of age.
· Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors in areas and at times where and when mosquitoes are active.
· Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
To report potential mosquito breeding grounds to the Westchester County Department of Health call (914) 813-5000.
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