Fight the Bite

The City of Lacombe is reminding residents to take extra precautions against mosquitoes this summer by continuing with an education program for residents on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, as well as how to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and the risk of West Nile virus infection.

Whether gardening, golfing, fishing, or even just relaxing outdoors, residents are encouraged to follow these simple tips in order to fight the bite and protect themselves from the West Nile virus:

1. COVER UP: wear long sleeves and pants, in light colors and loose-fitting.  Covering up as much as possible as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes e.g. leggings and jeans. Wear a hat, and consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
2. REPEL: Use an effective mosquito repellent.  A product with DEET is your best protection.  Lemon eucalyptus oil is also effective for shorter periods of time.  
3. ELIMINATE: Prevent mosquitoes from breeding.  Residents and businesses are asked to look at their properties and remove or drain any standing water.  Mosquitoes can lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water (fresh, salty, stagnant), which will start to hatch in 7-10 days.  It only takes a few teaspoons of water for this to happen.  If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place, eliminating the need to use pesticides against adult mosquitoes.  This elimination strategy will reduce the number of mosquitoes around the house and yard.

For more information and tips, Albertans can visit www.fightthebite.info or call Health Link Alberta, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 1.866.408.5465 (LINK).