The warmer weather is here and while it's time to get active and enjoy the outdoors, we also have to be prepared for WNv. Here are some tips from experts on how you can enjoy the spring and summer seasons while you avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

In addition to wearing an insect repellent that contains DEET when you are active outside from dusk to dawn, you should also :

• Cover up. Wear long-sleeves, socks, closed shoes and a hat.
• Wear light-coloured clothing since mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours.
• Add bug hats and bug jackets to your list of outdoor gear, if you are a serious camper or hiker.
• Tuck in pant legs in your socks and wear elastics on the wrists of your shirt to prevent insects from entering.
• Use a bug tarp shelter when camping to avoid biting insects. A bug tarp is a light, portable screened shelter that provides good protection.
• Ensure your tent is in good repair and won't let biting insects like mosquitoes in while you are sleeping.

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing when gardening - especially between dusk and dawn.
• Clear out undergrowth and humus that collects under trees like evergreens.
• Don't leave pots or saucers outside to collect water, and empty those that do each day.
• Make sure to turn over your compost pile every few days.
• Prune hedges and shrubs to let in lots of light - dense or weedy areas can be a mosquito-breeding haven.
• Sparsely plant your garden around where you spend time sitting or eating, rather than having them in a more bushy concentration.
• Ensure your reflecting pool has a bubbler or fountain installed - mosquitoes breed in still or stagnant water.
• Make sure, if you have a pond, that it is deep enough to hold fish, which will eat the mosquito larvae and clean the pond.
• Change water at least once a week, if you have a birdbath.
• Cover rain barrels with a tight-fitting screen and stir up the water in the barrel every few days.
• Think about screening in your porch or gazebo to offer a bug-proof area to enjoy the summer.

May 2005

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