Mary Alice Reporting – Summertime also brings about mosquitos and the Tuscarawas County Health Department is offering a few prevention tips.
Director of Environmental Health Mike Kopko says that mitigation is an important role in keeping the population under control and it’s based around water.
Mosquito’s layer their eggs near water and if the liquid is standing still, it becomes the perfect breeding grounds.
“Birdbaths, scrap tires, trash cans uncovered, pools that are not maintained. Basically, just draining the water out of places that can hold water in your backyard is a great way to reduce the number of mosquitos.”
Once a week, the water should be drained out of backyard items and ensure storage containers what a tight cover. For containers with no lid, a wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito is ideal.
When it comes to deterrence, dressing in clothing that covers arms and legs is essential and using an insect repellent.
If bitten, treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control, recommends washing the area with soap and water, applying an ice pack to reduce swelling, and to apply a baking soda and water paste to the area for 10 minutes to reduce the itch response. Other anti-itch cream can also be used.
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