Mosquito prevention dunks available in Logan County

Summertime brings those pesky mosquitoes along with illnesses associated with them. In an effort to prevent illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV), the Logan County Health Department is offering larvicidal briquettes, commonly called “mosquito dunks”, to the public.

The briquettes are deposited in standing water and provide an eco-friendly method of mosquito control. The active ingredient in the briquettes works by killing mosquito larvae before they are able to develop into adult, biting mosquitoes.

The mosquito dunks are available to the public at no cost while supplies last. The public may pick them up at the Logan County Health Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mosquito dunks may also be purchased at garden supply or hardware stores.

“We want to remind everyone to use insect repellent when outdoors and mosquito-proof their home and yard,” said Logan County Health Department Regional Director Jay Smith. “Anyone can be bitten by a mosquito and acquire West Nile Virus.  Persons older than 50 years of age, and those with certain chronic medical conditions including diabetes and hypertension are at greatest risk of developing severe WNV disease that impairs the central nervous system.”

Among the precautions to take against mosquito bites are the following:

· Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outside between dusk and dawn when WNV-infected mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.

· Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

· Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed.

· Empty your pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.

· Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

For more information, contact the Logan County Health Department at 405-282-3485.