Worried about West Nile Virus in your yard?

Standing water in your birdbath is a  potential breeding site for mosquitoes, so keep fresh water in your birdbath to reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites that could put you at risk for West Nile Virus infection.

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West Nile virus, also referred to as Bird Flu, is transmitted by adult mosquitoes and has been found in all 48 contiguous states. In the United States,West Nile virus has been identified in more than 200 species of wild birds. Crows and jays, are the main reservoir of West Nile virus, but the virus is actually spread by certain species of mosquitoes.

When an adult mosquito bites a bird infected with the West Nile virus, the virus enters the mosquito’s bloodstream and circulates for a few days before settling in the salivary glands. When the infected mosquito bites an animal or a human, the virus then enters the host’s bloodstream, where it may cause serious illness. The mosquito then lays her eggs in any available pool of STILL water. Moving water cannot support the larvae as they develop from the eggs.

The chance of getting sick from West Nile virus is low. Most people who are exposed to the West Nile virus do not have any symptoms, or have a mild flu-like illness and recover without treatment. Less than one out of 150 people who become ill with West Nile virus will develop a more serious form of infection and will require a doctor’s care.

Currently, there is no vaccine for humans, but vaccines are available for horses. People are encouraged to vaccinate their horses. Other livestock and pets are rarely affected by the West Nile Virus, but preventative non-toxic mosquito and tic repellents are available for your pets. Pet birds should be kept indoors to limit exposure.

        TIPS ON PREVENTION OF WEST NILE VIRUS

• When mosquitoes breed close to your home, you and your family are more at risk of being bitten and getting sick.
   
• Your bird baths should be emptied 2 or 3 times a week, and cleaned with a brush and soapy water every week to prevent breeding of mosquitoes and spread of other diseases to birds.
   
• Use a Fountain Dripper or Water Wiggler to keep the water moving, so that the mosquitoes won’t lay their eggs in your birdbath.  A small circulating pump from a tabletop fountain will also do the trick.
   
• Cover your rain barrel or use Summit BTI Briquette dunks to kill the larvae growing there.

• Pour out or remove standing water in flowerpot saucers, gutters, buckets and watering cans.

• Check gardening equipment and children’s outdoor toys. 

• Turn wading pools and wheelbarrows upside-down when not in use. 

• Drill holes in the bottom of tire swings to allow the water to drain. Cover water containers.
   
• Throw out unneeded items that collect water. Cover trash cans and recycling containers.

• Change out water two to three times a week in pet water dishes and livestock troughs. Check the ground underneath the drain line of your swamp cooler, too.
   
• You can help to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites in your yard and neighborhood with the Water Wiggler or Dripper.
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• Use a Biologic Mosquito Control in the water to kill developing mosquito larvae.

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