West Nile Virus: How to protect yourself

June through September are peak months for risk of exposure to West Nile Virus, if you're outdoors when mosquitoes are present.

What can you do to protect yourself?

When you're on the go:

• Don’t go anywhere without your GoClip® personal mosquito repellent– especially at dawn and dusk. These are peak mosquito hours.
• When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.

When you're sitting outdoors:

• Drain stagnant water from your backyard or neighborhood. This includes gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires – anywhere water can collect. Stagnant water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Mow your lawns regularly and trim tall weeds. Mosquitoes like to hide in tall grasses.
• Use the Mosquito Repellent DecoShield® Lantern to keep mosquitoes away.
• Clean bird baths regularly.
• If you have a rain barrel, keep it covered and sealed.
• Maintain swimming pools and keep them clean.
• Plant some mosquito-repelling herbs such as basil, catnip, lemon balm, rosemary and peppermint; and flowers that have a repellent effect such as geranium, lavender, marigold and pennyroyal.