CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Summer is here! It is a great time for doing outdoor activities. Yet, these warmer months and longer days not only bring fun in the sun, but set up a great environment for mosquitoes and other pests. One of the mosquito-borne diseases that can be found in Clovis, New Mexico is West Nile Virus.
Here are some steps that can be taken to lower your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Look for items or areas of your yard that may hold water.
- Properly discard tires, tin cans, plastic containers, bottles and other items that can hold even small amounts of water.
- Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or woods.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
- Police your doors and window screens for holes through which mosquitoes can enter your house.
- If it’s necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellent (DEET) and always follow the instructions on the label.
- Use mosquito netting over infant carriers, strollers or playpens.
For pet/animal concerns - the major disease concern with mosquitoes for dogs and cats is heartworm disease. Ensuring your pets complete an annual heartworm test and are on monthly preventative is the best way to prevent this disease. Horses should receive the West Nile vaccination. Avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Public Health office at (575)784-4926.
For additional information about mosquitoes and the proper use of insect repellent, check out the Center for Disease Control site or the New Mexico State Department of Health site:
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html
http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Pests/Mosquitoes