Mosquitos
In the United States and Wisconsin, mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus (WNV), La Crosse encephalitis, and Powassan virus infections. These infections generally occur during the warm-weather months when mosquitoes are active. Symptoms of illness are usually mild and nonspecific, and can include headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Some people may experience severe illness and require hospitalization.
Prevention Tips:
- Use effective mosquito repellant and apply according to the label instructions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes.
- Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with a repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. These repellants are the most effective and most studied.
- Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically around dawn and dusk.
- Keep window screens repaired so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.
- Dispose of discarded tires, cans, or plastic containers left outside that may contain standing water.
- Drain standing water from pool or hot tub covers.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheel barrows when not in use.
- Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days.
- Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly.
- Clean gutters to ensure they drain properly.
Additional Information: