West Nile Virus: Environmental Prevention Measures / Source Reduction & Larval Control
Community-wide Measures
- Tip, drip & drain ornamental planters, trash cans, buckets, wheelbarrows, recycling bins… any item or tool that may hold water.
- Drill holes in municipal containers that may trap water.
- Use Bti for larvicidal treatment of "still" ponds or other bodies of standing water.
- Unclog public building gutters regularly.
- Discover & clean-up abandoned tires or tire dumps.
- Monitor roadways, right-of-ways, and ditches after heavy rains…eliminate any standing water.
- Monitor storm drains and run-off areas…keep these areas free of debris that may trap water.
- Properly maintain public swimming pools.
- Keep shoreline vegetation & floating vegetation out of ponds and lagoons.
- Stock ponds with fish. Place minnows in retention ponds and other erosion control structures. Native minnows work best.
Residential Measures
- Tip, drip & drain flower pots, pet bowls, bird baths, wading pools, tree holes & yard ornaments…any item that may hold water.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins, tire swings & other outdoor containers.
- Monitor ditches and low spots in your yard for standing water…take action to drain water!
- Unclog gutters regularly.
- Cover rain barrels with a tight fitting screen.
- Keep window/door screens in good repair.
- Properly maintain swimming pools.
- Stock water gardens with fish. Contact Cooperative Extension & Environmental Health regarding larval control (Bti/mosquito dunks) in decorative ponds & birdbaths.
*Call & request a "West Nile Walkabout Home Checklist"
To request a "West Nile Walkabout Home Checklist," email us!