Community Corner

5 D's Keep Virus-Bearing Mosquitoes at Bay

Every time Big Creek and other streams overflow – and your gutters gush as heavy rains drench the ground – perfect conditions for mosquitoes are created.

This year's first reported case of West Nile Virus in Georgia was in DeKalb County. So follow the 5 D's of Protection to keep those mosquitoes at bay as suggested by Fulton County Health Services:

  1. Dusk/Dawn: Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus usually bite at dusk and dawn. Limit outdoor activity during those hours.
  2. Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
  3. DEET: Cover exposed skin and clothes with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET. It is the most effective repellant against mosquito bites.
  4. Drain: Empty any containers (buckets, barrels, kiddie pools) holding standing water to prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
  5. Doors: Make sure doors, windows and screens are in good condition and fit tightly to keep out mosquitoes.


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