Things You'll Need:
- Insect repellent
- Well-fitting screens
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Step 1
Use insect repellent to reduce the risk of a mosquito bite. Apply repellent whenever you are outside, but especially at dawn and dusk when more of the virus-carrying mosquitoes bite. Follow the instructions on the bottle and re-apply if you sweat, get wet or if you are still getting bitten by mosquitoes.
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Step 2
Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when the weather is cooler. Spray light clothing with insect repellent because mosquitoes can bite through the thin fabric. Do not spray insect repellent beneath clothing.
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Step 3
Drain any bodies of standing water that would otherwise attract hordes of mosquitoes and increase the risk of a West Nile Virus infection. Regularly empty birdbaths, flower pots, pet food dishes, rain barrels, gutters, paddling pools and any other items that can collect water. Keep swimming pools clean and circulating.
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Step 4
Fit all windows with tight-fitting screens and never leave open a window or door without one. Some mosquitoes try to sneak indoors.
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Step 5
Notify the local health authorities about dead birds because they can be a sign that West Nile Virus is in the area. Do not attempt to dispose of a dead bird by yourself without their instructions; if you do dispose of it, wear gloves and place the bird into a separate trash bag.
