Increase In Mosquito Populations Heightens Concern Over West Nile Virus

National Pest Management Association Advises Homeowners to Practice Caution

West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in the U.S. has local governments, mosquito abatement districts and the public on high alert. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency in Kern, Colusa and San Joaquin counties in California after four human deaths and reports of WNV activity increased three-fold over the prior year. Similarly, states including Iowa, Idaho, Texas and many others across the country are battling mosquitoes in an effort to reduce WNV activity.

Recent research from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) shows that mosquitoes are the pests of most concern during the summer months. Anxiety over the transmission of serious diseases, such as West Nile, encephalitis and meningitis - all of which can result in fatalities - have homeowners looking for preventative measures to keep mosquitoes away.

"Not only are mosquitoes a summer nuisance pest, but they can also be a major health threat to the public," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "There are preventative measures homeowners can take to reduce mosquito populations around their home and there are effective treatment options available through their local pest professionals."

NPMA offers the following tips for relief from mosquitoes this summer season:

Eliminate sources of standing water like kiddy pools, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, barrels, and other objects that can collect water.

Keep windows and doors properly screened.

Be alert when outdoors during dawn, dusk and early evening hours when mosquito-biting activity peaks.

Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.

Plan ahead for spending time outdoors and wear mosquito repellant with DEET, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

To learn more about mosquito control options or to find a pest professional in your area visit www.pestworld.org or www.whatisipm.org.

#####

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.