Published: Aug 05, 2014 | 09:00 AM

Summer is Here – IRWD Advises How to Fight Mosquitoes

Irvine Ranch Water District takes many steps to prevent mosquitoes at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. These steps include maintaining a constant flow of water to prevent stagnation, using mosquito fish in the ponds and maintaining good access for Orange County Vector Control crews to do their work.

Although West Nile virus has primarily been found in birds, it can be transmitted to humans via a bite from an infected mosquito. IRWD offers these simple steps to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus in Southern California:

• Eliminate standing water in your yard, which can include water in cans, buckets, flowerpots, pet bowls, old tires and gutters.
• Guard against mosquito bites by minimizing time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk when insects are most active. When outdoors, wear long pants and long sleeves and apply mosquito repellant containing DEET.
• To report a dead bird, call the Orange County Vector Control District at (714) 971-2421, Ext. 117, or email wnsurv@ocvcd.org.