Summer Safety: Take protective steps during mosquito season

(ROCKWALL, TX – July 12, 2018) The City of Rockwall is encouraging residents to take proactive steps during the hot summer months to help protect against mosquito-borne illness.

Mosquitoes are worst especially at dusk and dawn, and they can spread illnesses such as West Nile virus and Zika. Here are a few ways to reduce exposure:

Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Regularly drain standing water, including water that collects in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.

Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Currently no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus have been found within the City of Rockwall. If you would like to report an area with stagnant water that you request to be treated, email wyoung@rockwall.com. For additional information, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

Submitted press release by Lauri Dodd, Public Information Officer/Marketing, City of Rockwall.

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