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The weather is warm enough to spend time outdoors accompanied by compromises, including the risk of being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Some mosquitoes may carry the West Nile virus, which can be deadly. Here are ways to reduce their numbers and defend themselves.
1. Get rid of stagnant water in your garden.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, bird baths, old tires or even flowerpots or aluminum cans can harbor water that becomes fertile ground for mosquitoes. According to health officials, any water that stays for seven to ten days can be fertile soil, so make sure your garden does not contain stagnant water.
2. Trim your lawn and repair your screens.
Long grasses and weeds can become hiding spots for adult mosquitoes, as are shrubs overgrown with vegetation (they like cool, wet places to wait for their victims). Health authorities therefore recommend cutting them short. Make sure your mosquito nets are in good condition so mosquitoes can not enter your home when windows are open.
3. Insecticide and long sleeves.
Health officials recommend that you always use an FDA-approved insect repellent if you are going out in the evening or early in the morning during the mosquito season. If you can, wear long sleeves and long pants, as well as closed-toed shoes.
4. Use a fan outdoors when the weather is nice.
According to Patrick Irwin, deputy director of the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, if you're on a terrace or terrace and there's no wind, a good way to scare off mosquitoes is to use a blowing or oscillating blower that creates an artificial breeze. Mosquitoes are not very good at flying, so a simple breeze can anchor them.
5. Neighborhood problem skeeter? Call your local officials – or state authorities.
If you notice a foreclosed home or an abandoned yard that is harboring stagnant water, contact your municipal government, health department or mosquito control agency in your area to investigate. . In Chicago, you can call 311. At the statewide, the Illinois Department of Public Health can help you at 866-369-9710.
Katherine Rosenberg-Douglas of the Chicago Tribune contributed.
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