LIBERTY- Sullivan County Public Health Services officials are reminding everyone to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses.
Mosquitoes continue to be active throughout the fall, and will be most active at dawn and dusk. To protect yourselves from mosquito bites, the State Department of Health and Sullivan County Public Health Services recommend the following:
- Consider wearing long sleeves and long pants with shirts tucked into pants and pants tucked into socks.
- Consider using insect repellents containing DEET. When using insect repellents, always be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Children should not handle repellents. Adults should spray repellents in their hands first, then apply to the child’s exposed skin. Avoid applying directly to the child’s hands. After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin and clothing with soap and water or give the child a bath.
- When returning indoors, all treated skin should be washed with soap and water.
You can also reduce the mosquito population around your home and property by reducing or removing all standing water. This includes:
- Dispose of all plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other containers that can hold water.
- Recycle all discarded tires on your property.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are stored outside.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters every fall.
- Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
- Drain water from pool covers.
Make sure window and door screens fit properly and are in good condition.
Following those steps can help you and your family stay healthy this fall. For more information please visit www.health.ny.gov/publications/2731/ or call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845-292-5910, Ext. 0.
