“With the beginning of summer and West Nile virus season we are reminding people about the importance of preventive and source reduction measures residents can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” said Anton Sattler, Administrator, Bismarck Environmental Health Division.

People are encouraged to take the following protective measures:

• Use insect repellents containing ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD) or permethrin – and apply according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
• Remove sources of standing water in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs (such as buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
• Rinse water sources frequently, at least twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, swimming pool covers, buckets and barrels. Rinse birdbaths daily.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Keep the grass and tall vegetation around your home trimmed.

Treating standing water is one way to reduce the risk of West Nile. Burleigh County has larvicide briquettes available to residents. One briquette treats 100 square feet of shallow water with no current and lasts up to 150 days. Residents can purchase the briquettes for $3 each at the Burleigh County Extension Office, 3715 East Bismarck Expressway, Monday - Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. An instructional sheet will also be provided to each resident which details the ingredients, direction for use, and how to apply.