INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — This weekend we will have many little vampires trick or treating for Halloween, but there is another type of vampire out there – the mosquito.
Indian River County Health Department wants to remind parents to keep themselves and their little ghosts and goblins safe while trick or treating for Halloween, by following the 5 D’s. During mosquito season, protect yourself from mosquito bites by following the “5 D’s,” which are:
Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, especially between dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When indoors use your air conditioner or use screens on windows and doors.
Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
DEET – Use repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide). Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 and Permethrin are other repellent options.
Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Standing water can collect in small buckets, animal drinking bowls, bird baths, potted plants and bases, ornamental fountains, uncovered boats, garbage cans, coolers, discarded tires and clogged roof gutters.
For more information, contact the Health Department at (772) 794-7440.