San Antonio Metro Health Encourages Mosquito Prevention

San Antonio TX

05 May, 2021

2:11 AM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: May 4, 2021 Metro Health Encourages Mosquito Prevention CONTACT: Cleo Garcia Office: (210) 207-8172 [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (May 4, 2021) – With the recent heavy rains in the San Antonio area, Metro Health is encouraging the community to take steps to prevent mosquitos. Residents can take simple measures to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites around their home, businesses, and workplace. Remove standing water Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out containers that hold water, such as Vases Pet water bowls Flowerpot saucers Discarded tires Buckets Pool covers Birdbaths Trash cans Rain barrels Tires These actions can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around areas where people live. Follow safe water storage tips If water must be stored, tightly cover storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside and laying eggs. Improve sanitation When water is contaminated with organic matter (for example, animal waste, grasses, and leaves), the chances that mosquito larvae will survive may increase because contaminated matter provides food for larvae to eat. Protect Yourself Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to protect exposed skin during dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are active. Avoid use of perfumes and colognes when working outdoors. Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home. Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on skin not covered by clothing. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the time that you will be exposed. The more DEET or Picaridin a repellent contains, the longer time it can protect you. Spray insect repellent on the outside of your clothing (mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing). Do not spray insect repellent on skin that is under clothing. Insect repellents should not be used on young infants. Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas or directly on your face. Do not allow insect repellent to contact your eyes or mouth. Do not use repellents on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. If working outdoors, use soap and water to wash skin and clothing that has been treated with insect repellent. This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.