Tips to prevent and control West Nile virus

Tips from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on preventing and controlling West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses:

• Limit outside activity around dawn and dusk when Culex tarsalis mosquitoes feed. This is particularly important for the elderly and small children.

• Wear protective clothing such as lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts when outside.

• Apply insect repellant to exposed skin when outside. Repellents with DEET are effective, but should be applied sparingly. Products with no more than 10 percent of DEET are recommended for children.

• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens with no holes.

• Drain standing water on private property, no matter the amount.

• Stock permanent ponds or fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae. Change water in birdbaths or wading pools and empty flowerpot saucers of standing water at least once a week.

• Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days.

• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and remove any standing water under or around structures or on flat roofs.

• Remove items that could collect water such as old tires, buckets, empty cans, and food and beverage containers.

• Eliminate seepage and standing water from cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks and animal watering tanks.

• Do not over-water lawns and gardens.