What it takes to fight the West Nile Virus Published June 7, 2012 By Richard Gilbride 23d Civil Engineer Squadron MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., -- It's summer in south Georgia and like it or not, the mosquitoes are here. Following a very mild winter and some recent rain showers, the mosquito population has exploded, making most outdoor activities much less enjoyable. There are between 3,000 and 3,500 different mosquito species worldwide. Of these, around 150 species have been identified living in North America and about 56 of those have been identified in Georgia. The vast majority of mosquitoes don't pose a health risk to humans. However, there are about eight species of mosquitoes living in the area that are suspected of transmitting diseases such as the West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. Because of the public health risk, it's important we take steps to reduce the chance of humans encountering these disease transmitting insects. One common characteristic of these eight species is that they are considered to be container mosquitoes, which means they prefer to breed in small pools of stagnant water. Their preferred breeding sites can include old tires, clogged gutters, swimming pools, buckets, bowls, plants, knot holes in trees, or anyplace that holds water for more than seven days. This preference of breeding sites is a good thing, because they can be eliminated fairly easily. Simply walk around your home looking for anything that can hold water and either get rid of it, cover it up or empty it. Probably the most difficult chore is inspecting and cleaning out gutters. This not only helps eliminate mosquitoes and other insects, but also helps protect your roof from water damage. Eliminating these breeding sites will not eliminate all the mosquitoes, but goes a long way toward eliminating the ones that can make you sick. Here's some information and suggestions to help minimize exposure to mosquitoes: 1. Most mosquitoes prefer to fly and feed either just before sunrise or in the first hour after sunset, so try to avoid being outside around dawn and dusk. 2. When outside, wear clothes that don't leave a lot of exposed skin such as long sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks. If possible, wear multiple layers of light clothing, to help keep insects from biting through clothes as well as keeping you cooler. 3. Make sure that window screens fit tightly and are in good condition. 4. Apply an insect repellant. There are many different products available that are marketed as insect repellants. Find one that works for you, and use it. But a scientific study published in the New England Journal of Medicine clearly demonstrates that repellants containing DEET provided the longest, most effective protection. In part, the conclusion of the study states, "Non-DEET repellents do not provide protection for durations similar to those of DEET-based repellents and cannot be relied on to provide prolonged protection in environments where mosquito-borne diseases are a substantial threat." Regardless of which insect repellant you choose to use, be sure to read and follow the label.