West Virginia
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Information for the Public – How to Fight Mosquitoes

Why worry about mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can cause illness. La Crosse encephalitis is spread by infected mosquitoes and usually affects children. There are about 50 cases of La Crosse encephalitis each year in West Virginia. West Nile virus is also spread by infected mosquitoes and usually affects the elderly.

What can I do about mosquitoes?

1. Empty standing water in old tires, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes may breed.
2. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often.
3. Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt.
4. Keep swimming pools treated and circulating.
5. Keep rain gutters clean and in good repair.
6. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET. Apply sparingly to children before they play out of doors, and rinse children off with soap and water when they come back in. Do not apply repellent to the face and hands of young children because they may rub it in their eyes. Follow label directions and precautions closely.
7. Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations.
8. Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."

Mosquito Control Myths

FALSE: Ultraviolet lights used in bug zappers and ultrasonic devices are effective.

FALSE: Bats and Purple Martin birds eat enough mosquitoes to be useful.

FALSE: Citronella candles and citronella repellents, and garlic keep mosquitoes away.

TRUE: Integrated pest management (IPM) is today’s standard for controlling mosquitoes. IPM involves surveillance, getting rid of mosquitoes, larvicide and biological controls, as well as public relations and education.

-adapted from CDC, American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), and EPA materials

State of West Virginia (WV)
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR)
Bureau for Public Health (BPH)
Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion (OEHP)
Division of Surveillance and Disease Control (DSDC)
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEP)

A-Z Listing of West Virginia's Reportable Diseases

This FAQ was last updated March 2003.
If you have questions or comments about the West Virginia Division of Surveillance and Disease Control, please direct them to Loretta Haddy at Loretta.E.Haddy@wv.gov.
If you have questions or comments about this Web page, please direct them to Betty Jo Tyler at Betty.J.Tyler@wv.gov.