Beahm offers

the following tips to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses:

After a rainstorm,

eliminate the standing water that has collected in places such as pool

covers, old tires, buckets, flowerpots, toys, and birdbaths.

Clean and

chlorinate swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs and saunas. If they are

not in use, empty them and keep them covered.

Use an insect

repellent containing deet. Spray formulas, such as Ultrathon Repellent

or Deep Woods Off, allow easy application to hard-to-reach areas such

as the back of legs.

Replace outdoor

lights with yellow bug lights.

Light insect-fighting

candles, such as those containing citronella, during outdoor gatherings.

Wear long-sleeved

shirts, long pants, socks, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin.

Spritz clothing with a bug spray like Cutter Backwoods, another repellant

containing deet.

Inspect screen

doors and windows for holes so mosquitoes can't get inside.

Avoid outdoor

activity at dawn and dusk, or anytime in the evening when mosquito activity

is the highest. *Watch for sick and dying birds the main reservoir for

West Nile Virus and report them to the local health department.

Stay inside

at night if there is a warning of mosquito-borne disease in effect.

You should

also be aware of the symptoms of West Nile Virus. According to the Mayo

Clinic, these include fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, skin rash,

and swollen lymph glands. Seek medical advice if these signs or symptoms

appear.

Many products

that help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses are reasonably priced and can

be found at most discount retailers, like Wal-Mart stores.

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