Protecting You and Your Family

Reduce your risk. Remember the four "D"s:

1. DRAIN your property of standing water
2. DUSK/DAWN: Take extra care
3. DRESS appropriately
4. DEFEND against mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents wisely

Drain: It doesn't take much time, or water, for mosquitoes to develop from eggs into adults. Therefore, anything that can hold water is a potential development site. To destroy common mosquito breeding sites around your home, consistent yard maintenance is the best defense.

• Empty saucers under flower pots
• Unclog rain gutters
• Remove used tires and other debris where rainwater may collect
• Make sure your lawn is mowed to decrease the area where mosquitoes can rest during the hot part of the day
• Change water in bird baths and pet water/ food dishes regularly (1-2 times a week during periods of warm weather)
• Empty wading pools when not in use; drain tarps, pool covers, and trampolines that fill with rainwater
• Aerate or keep fish in ornamental ponds
• Install screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out
• Use fine mesh to cover rain barrels and containers that cannot be dumped
• If you are aware of a standing water problem in your neighbourhood please call 1-888-WNV-LINE (1-888-968-5463).

Dusk/Dawn: Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.

• Minimize outdoor activities at dusk/dawn
• Take appropriate steps to protect yourself when outdoors during dusk and dawn
• Avoid or protect yourself, in or near woodland, forests, salt marshes and coastal rock pools and any other places where mosquitoes may bite during the day.

Dress:

• Wear baggy, long-sleeved shirts and pants, shoes and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
• Wear light-coloured clothing since dark colours attract mosquitoes

Defend: Use mosquito repellent. If living or traveling in an area known or suspected to have WNv, use an insect repellent to help protect against mosquito bites. Use only insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients.