Be proactive against mosquitoes

With summer around the corner, mosquitoes will be coming back, as will our risk for West Nile virus.

The virus is most commonly spread by mosquitoes. It can cause serious illness, especially in those over 50 or people with underlying medical conditions.

Southeastern Idaho Public Health recommends the 5 D’s:

– Drain any standing water around your home.

– Avoid being active during dusk or dawn.

– Dress in long clothing.

– Use DEET, which is the active ingredient in bug spray.

If you think you have a mosquito problem, it’s best to contact your local mosquito abatement agency.

“If there’s questions for West Nile, trying to see what mosquitoes are in your area, or to get any action taken, they can come in, do some trapping and evaluate what’s there,” said Jeff Doerr, epidemiologist at SIPH. “(They can) see if it’s even feasible to do any treatment.”

Idaho’s West Nile virus season usually starts picking up around July or August, sometimes even early June.