As Summer Continues, Don't Forget To "Fight The Bite"

Given the recent wet weather, it’s important that we take steps that help prevent mosquitos from breeding in places like old waste tires and barrels of water.  These common items can serve as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry sometimes deadly diseases like West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, commonly known as “EEE.”

EEE is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and causes an inflammation of the brain, which can lead to many health problems and possible death. Following the recent discovery of EEE in Oswego County, I was pleased to announce $175,000 in funding to safeguard the public from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. 

Since 2012, I have delivered $1 million in funding to help combat the spread of EEE in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties in a number of ways.  Recent efforts include the distribution of insect repellent and information on prevention, as well as and numerous no-cost “Tire Take Back” events, which have led to the disposal of more than 81,000 waste tires across Central and Northern New York.

As we continue to enjoy the summer weather and spend time outdoors, you can take a proactive approach to help safeguard your health from mosquitos and the illnesses they carry by following these simple tips:

-Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.  Remember to always follow all directions and precautions on the product label;

-Wear long-sleeves and pants.  Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so spraying repellent on clothes can help;

-Be aware of peak mosquito hours.  Dusk to dawn are peak biting hours, but some mosquitoes bite all day.  Consider staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active;

-Fix your screens.  Mosquitoes can enter your home through rips and tears in screens and open windows; and

-Drain standing water.  Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, in flower pots, buckets, bird baths, clogged gutters and yard debris.  

Moving forward, I will continue to help “fight the bite” and work towards spearheading new initiatives that will not only strengthen the public health of everyone living across our region but also combat the spread of mosquito borne illnesses.