Lack of rain doesn't stop mosquitoes

RUSHVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Despite the drought, Indiana has identified positive pools of West Nile Virus in 21 counties so far this year.

According to our partners at the Rushville Republican , the Rush County Health Department says mosquito-related problems are still a concern, even though we have had a lack of rain this summer.

The state has various traps set up that catch mosquitoes for testing.

"Our traps are placed weekly throughout the county, and the mosquitoes are sent to the Indiana State Department of Health Zoonotic and Vector-borne Disease Laboratory for testing and identification," reports local Health Department Environmental Health Specialist Kim Roe.

Culex Pipiens, a stronger variety of mosquitoes, that may carry mosquito-related illness have been found in Bartholomew, Benton, Boone, Clay, Daviess, Fayette, Hamilton, Henry, Jennings, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Miami, Noble, Orange, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Tipton, Vanderburgh and Wayne counties.

But the state department says you can protect yourself in various ways:

1. Be sure to use mosquito repellent that contains DEET and follow the label direction if you plan activities between dusk and dawn.

2. Empty any water-holding containers on your property like buckets or flower pots.

3. Check for old tires which may be holding water and dispose of them properly. This is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

4. Drill holes in the bottom of garbage containers that are left outdoors to let water drain out.

5. Clean clogged roof gutters and remove any leaves and debris that may

prevent drainage.

6. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

7. Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths. Aerate ornamental ponds, or stock them with fish.

8. Keep your swimming pool clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing

water from pool covers.

9. Repair failed or discharging septic systems. This is a preferred breeding area, where the water is contaminated.

10. Visit your veterinarian and make sure your pets and livestock are up to date on their vaccinations.

For more information on mosquito-related illness, contact the Indiana State Department of Health Purdue Extension.