Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) reminds residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes are known carriers of West Nile Virus, and other disease-causing viruses. Drain and Cover to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

“Recent heavy rainfall and our warm summer temperatures can create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed.” says FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza. “It is important for each of us to take action in and around our own homes and workplaces to reduce our exposure to mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry. I encourage everyone to drain and cover every day.”

Drain standing water.

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. 

Cover skin with clothing or repellent;

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
• Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
• Repellents with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, methyl nonyl ketone, or IR3535. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• Always use repellents according to the label. Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
• Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing. Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.

Cover doors and windows.

• Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
• Repair broken screens.
• Keep unscreened windows and doors closed.

For more information, contact the FDOH-Escambia at 850-595-6700 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.