Jul 4, 2009 10:59 am US/Eastern
New Yorkers Brace For Mosquito Onslaught
Bug Zappers, Repellents Can Both Help In Keeping Away The Pests
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In addition to dampening the spirits of New Yorkers, the 10 inches of rain that fell on the city in June have put it at risk for a mosquito-filled rest of the summer.
But as pests start to come out in full force, there are many options available to help keep them at bay.
Westchester County's commissioner of health Joshua Lipsman thinks the best way to protect against mosquitoes is to prevent them from hatching in the first place, and their preferred breading grounds tend to be near water.
"Remember to get rid of all standing water around your property," Lipsman said.
Briquettes of mosquito larvicide, known as "Dunks," can be purchased and should be put in areas where standing water cannot be drained.
Lipsman said Westchester County has already begun to spray areas known for attracting mosquitoes with pesticide. The county also conducted a search for mosquito larva.
"We just finished our larva sighting campaign," Lipsman said. "It was over a six to eight week period and we went up and down the entire county. We looked in every basin."
Westchester's health department checked more than 70 thousand storm drains and sewers, and reported that, though there's been a decreasing incidence of the West Nile Virus in recently, it is still a top concern.
Lipsman said anyone who contracts the virus should know immediately if they are sick, as headache, fever and a stiff neck are common symptoms.
He also advised staying indoors during times when mosquitoes are most active – usually around dusk and dawn.
Claudia Deich, of The Home Depot, claimed there are a variety of approved products to help protect against the insects.
"My personal favorite would be the half acre bug zapper," Deich said.
Electronic zappers cost anywhere between $30 and $90 each, with the most expensive covering up to one acre.
There are also portable devices that operate on batteries or butane, and naturally-repellent plants such as citronella.
But Deich added that, despite the recession, most customers are willing to dole out the dollars on a zapper if it means staying safe from the bugs.
"Cost is always a factor in this day and age," Deich said. "But the bottom line is to either kill or repel the mosquitoes -- that's the goal. Whatever it takes to keep people safe from West Nile, that's what people are interested in."
Most zappers are meant for outdoor use only, and Lipsman warned that any bug repellents purchased should be used according to the directions.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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