Controlling Mosquitoes What You Can Do
All campus departments that use or maintain outdoor areas are urged to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding areas.
- Remove containers that collect standing water, such as cans, bottles, buckets, toys and old tires. Remove standing water from any container in which water accumulates and where mosquitos can breed.
- Check and repair window and door screens.
- Keep gutters and drainage areas clean.
- Fish kept in ponds will eat mosquito larvae.
- Use "MosquitoDunks" (biological mosquito control) in wet areas that can't be kept dry.
- Contact EH&S @ (631) 632-6487 to determine if the application of pesticides is needed.
- Off campus contact the Suffolk County Vector Control @ (631) 852-4270
- Citronella oils and candles can help repel mosquitoes.
- Stay indoors when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting.
- When outdoors, wear clothing that covers the skin, such as long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.
- Apply an appropriate insect repellent.
Insect Repellent Safety Precautions
- Adults can use insect repellants with less than 30% DEET.
- Children over 3 years old can use products containing 15% DEET or less.
- Children under 3 years old should not use DEET.
- Read the entire label before using. Never use a product that has not been approved by the EPA.
- Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin. Apply on clothing. Do not apply under clothing.
- Do not spray directly onto your face; spray on hands first and then apply to face. Do not inhale, ingest or get repellant into your eyes.
- Do not allow children to handle insect repellants. Do not apply to childrenís hands. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.
- Wash treated clothing before wearing again.
What is DEET?
DEET (chemical name N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is contained in many insect repellents and is used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Products containing DEET are available in a variety of liquids and sprays. DEET is designed for direct application to skin to repel insects, rather than kill them.
If you suspect an adverse reaction to DEET, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and call your physician or local poison control center. If you go to a doctor, take the repellent container with you.
West Nile Virus
In September 1999, public health and wildlife officials in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey became aware of an outbreak of mosquito-borne encephalitis. Several dozen individuals in New York City and its suburbs were stricken by the disease; seven people died.
West Nile infection was also confirmed in hundreds of birds, mainly crows, as well as several horses. In response to this outbreak, city and county agencies conducted aerial and ground spraying for mosquito control.
West Nile virus is here to stay," said Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, Suffolk County's Health Commissioner. "This virus went from not existing to becoming endemic all over the country." Ever since the West Nile virus suddenly emerged in the summer of 1999, the virus has killed 1,131 people nationwide.
Experts believe that this animal pathogen, which is harbored by birds and transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have fed on birds, will not go away. Dozens of bird species are now carriers, and more than half of the 60 known species of mosquitoes can transport and transmit the virus.
Q & A on West Nile Encephalitis From the Centers for Disease Control
- What is West Nile encephalitis?
- "Encephalitis" means an inflammation of the brain and can be caused by head injury, bacterial infections, and, most commonly, viral infections, including viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by West Nile virus, a virus previously found only in Africa and West Asia.
- What is the basic transmission cycle?
- Mosquitos become infected by feeding on large birds infected with the West Nile virus. Infected mosquitoes then transmit the West Nile virus to humans and animals when taking a bloodmeal.
- How do people get West Nile encephalitis?
- By the bite of a mosquito that is infected with West Nile virus.
- Can you get West Nile encephalitis from another person?
- No. West Nile encephalitis is NOT transmitted from person-to-person.
- What are the symptoms of West Nile Fever?
- Most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience mild illness such as fever and headache before fully recovering. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile Fever can be a serious disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms generally occur 5-15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, and range from a slight fever, headache, rash, swollen nodes and conjunctivitis to the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, or death.
- Iíve have a mosquito bite. Should I be tested for West NileVirus?
- No. Most mosquitos are not infected with the West Nile-like virus. Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare and patients with mild symptoms are likely to recover completely. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop such symptoms as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headache, or sensitivity to light.
For More Information
- Suffolk County Department of Health To report a dead or sick bird, or a stagnant pool of water off campus
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides public education and awareness information