What Can You Do Around Your Home?  

Always think mosquito prevention when working around your yard. Mosquitoes are known as carriers of West Nile virus. Here a few lawn and yard maintenance tips to consider when cleaning up mosquito-friendly areas outside your home :

• Remove any type of standing water at least once a week.
• Clean up and empty containers that may hold water such as old tires, flowerpots, wheelbarrows, barrels, tin cans or small containers like bottle caps that are outdoors.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of used containers so water can't collect.
• Change water in birdbaths, swimming pools and wading pools.
• Immediately remove water that collects on pool covers.
• Make sure the pool's pump is circulating.
• Turn over wading pools when not in use.
• Clear leaves and twigs from eaves troughs, storm and roof gutters throughout the summer.
• Make sure drainage ditches are not clogged.
• Check flat roofs frequently for standing water.

Think mosquito prevention when working in the yard. Lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees should be collected, recycled or mulched so that organic matter does not end up in storm sewers as a food source for mosquito larvae.

• Turn over compost frequently.
• Fill in low depressions in lawn areas.
• Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to rest.

Check window and door screens for holes and make sure they fit snugly into their frames, so mosquitoes will not get indoors. If you don't have screens, consider sleeping under a bed net to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Spread the word. Point out potential mosquito breeding areas to your neighbours.

According to Health Canada you should be wary of products such as citronella candles, bug zappers (electrocution traps), electronic mosquito repellers and certain plants that claim to ward off mosquitoes because they have not been supported by scientifically-based test results.

For more information about West Nile virus call the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
INFOline at 1-887-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario)
TTY 1-800-387-5559 or contact your local public health unit.

For more information about a wide variety of health topics, visit HealthyOntario.

TORONTO (May 2004) — Ontarians must remember that they need to continue to protect themselves against the West Nile virus, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman said at the launch of the Ontario government's 2004 West Nile virus campaign.

"West Nile virus can be prevented, and by taking simple precautions people can stay safe and healthy this summer," said Smitherman. "Our government is launching a comprehensive public education campaign to encourage Ontarians to protect themselves from West Nile virus.

"Ontarians need to continue to educate themselves about the benefits of covering up, using insect repellent and cleaning up places where mosquitoes breed."

Some of the more common ways to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include :

• cleaning up around your property and home by clearing eavestroughs and areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed;
• wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; and
• using the recommended amount of insect repellent containing DEET, as outlined in the manufacturers' directions.

Ontario will launch a major four-month public education campaign including an advertising campaign, media and promotional activities and educational materials through retail and healthcare locations.

"We continue to provide Ontarians with the most accurate, up-to-date information available to help fight West Nile virus," said Dr. Sheela Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Health Division. "People need to take correct and appropriate measures in personal protection in order to avoid contracting West Nile virus."

"Following these steps will go a long way toward keeping all Ontarians healthier, added Smitherman.

Last year, there were a total of 89 cases of West Nile virus in Ontario.

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