City of Aberdeen, South Dakota Mosquito Control Information Protecting Yourself Mosquito Facts Where They Live and Breed West Nile Virus and Encephalitis When Mosquitos are Most Active Common Backyard Mosquito Breeding Sources Protecting Your Home Proper Use of DEET City of Aberdeen Mosquito Control Program Contact Us Helpful Links South Dakota Department of Health What is West Nile? Mosquito Identification and Surveillance In the fall of 2002, West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne Infection that can cause encephalitis, was found in Brown County. Although the chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce them even further. The SD State Health Department, along with other state agencies, local health deparments and environmental groups have assisted in the preparation of this brochure to give you the information you need to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, neighborhood and community; and to help reduce the need for more aggressive mosquito control, such as the aerial spraying of insecticides. Mosquito Facts (back to top) Mosquitoes are small flying insects that feed on human and/or blood or plant juices. Only female mosquitoes bite to get a blood meal for their growing eggs. Mosquitoes are generally considered nuisance pests, but occasionally can transmit disease. While there are about 43 different species of mosquitoes in South Dakota, most mosquitoes do not transmit West Nile virus. The Culex tarsalis mosquito (the common house mosquito) is the one most commonly associated with West Nile virus. Where They Live and Breed (back to top) Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around the home. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for adult Culex mosquitoes, which also may enter houses through unscreened windows or doors or broken screens. West Nile Virus and Encephalitis (back to top) Viral encephalitis may not have any symptoms at all; mild cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches, and usually occur five to fifteen days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the elderly and persons with damaged immune systems. When Mosquitoes are Most Active (back to top) Culex mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm, and that is when the females are most likely to bite. However, they may be present at any time of the day. Common Backyard Mosquito Breeding Sources (back to top) Protecting Your Home (back to top) Culex mosquitoes can develop in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all stagnant water: Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers. Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito-breeding site in the country. Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Change the water in birdbaths. Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property. Protecting Yourself (back to top) Most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. Although it is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless there is evidence of mosquito-borne disease, you can help reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good repair. If West Nile virus is found in your area: Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Proper Use of DEET (back to top) DEET, the chemical N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, is an insect repellent that can reduce the risk of mosquito bites but must be used with caution. Be aware of the possible adverse health effects when making decisions about DEET. Products containing DEET have been occasionally associated with some health problems (skin reactions, including rash, swelling and itching; eye irritation; and less frequently, slurred speech, confusion and seizures). Frequent application or saturation may not be necessary. Use as little as you need for your situation. In addition, the New York State Department of Health recommends the following precautions when using repellents containing DEET: Store out of the reach of children and read all instructions on the label before applying. Do NOT allow young children to apply DEET themselves. Do NOT apply DEET directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. (According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, repellents used on children should contain no more than 10 percent DEET.) When applying DEET, avoid the child's face and hands. Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin: do NOT treat unexposed skin. Do NOT apply repellents in enclosed areas. Do NOT apply directly on your face. DEET can be applied to clothing, but may damage some synthetic fabrics and plastics. Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors. If you believe you or a child is having an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET wash the treated area immediately and call your health care provider or local poison control center. City of Aberdeen Mosquito Control Program (back to top) The City of Aberdeen through the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department's Mosquito Control Division has been conducting mosquito control since July of 1978. During the past twenty-seven years the mosquito control program has focused upon reducing the adult mosquito population that created nuisance problems throughout the city. During those twenty-seven years it is likely that the program has reduced the incident of Encephalitis problems as well. With the expansion of West Nile Virus, the Mosquito Control Program will be focusing control efforts on the prevention of human illness. The basis for the control program is and has been the integrated pest management (LP.M.) approach to mosquito control which uses a variety of physical, cultural, mechanical, biological and educational measures to attain control. The Mosquito Control Division will continue this approach and will work to improve it by using the following elements: public education, surveillance, source reduction, prevention and control. Through the use of baseline information from previous years, surveillance from previous years, surveillance data actions will be taken on pre-determined response levels. The Integrated Pest Management approach to controlling mosquitoes uses the most environmentally sensitive approach available. This minimizes the potential for negative impacts on people and the environment and maintains compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements. In 2006, the Mosquito Control Division will continue with mosquito control efforts with the understanding that a number of parameters must be consistently included in the process including; 1) monitoring current and comprehensive information about the life cycles of the numerous mosquito species occurring locally in the Aberdeen area, 2) continued search for improved IPM practices as they relate to mosquito control, 3) the use of surveillance results and habitat inspection to make control decisions, 4) an educational component that focuses on encouraging community involvement in the elimination of potential breeding sites that are associated with public health issues. If anyone has questions regarding the City of Aberdeen's mosquito abatement efforts, West Niles Virus, encephalitis and insect reppellants, please contact Mark Hoven at 626-7015 or mosquito@aberdeen.sd.us. Mosquito Control Division Aberdeen PRF Dept 225 3rd Ave SE Aberdeen, SD 57401 605-626-7015 (back to top)