Start of Mosquito Season, March 8

Warm spring weather marks the start of mosquito season. Residents can act to minimize the nuisance by noting that anything holding water for 7 days can produce biting mosquitoes. After a rain take a few minutes and inspect the yard and dump out water from any containers such as buckets, flowerpots and old tires where mosquitoes may breed or get rid of the containers that have no use. Water should also be cleared from clogged rain gutters and tarps that cover wood piles. Outside pet dishes and bird baths should be cleaned weekly. Stocking ornamental ponds and watering troughs with fish may also help keep mosquitoes at bay. Personal defense for outdoor activities includes use of an effective mosquito repellant as well as wearing pants and long sleeve shirts. The news media has reported on diseases that are mosquito borne such as zika, dengue and chikungunya. Travelers in same parts of the world may be exposed to these diseases. The mosquito that carries these diseases has not been identified in Coos County or in Oregon so there is currently no immediate risk of local exposure. Travelers can find disease distribution information and risk of potential exposure by visiting CDC.gov