Fight the Bite: Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes This Summer

With summertime just around the corner, we're all ready to get outside and enjoy the Texas sunshine! But, as you know, this time of year is also breeding time for mosquitoes.

To best protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes and West Nile virus,

always remember the Four D's:

• Drain standing water around your home, yard, and neighborhood to put an end to

mosquito breeding grounds.

• Dusk and dawn are the times of day you should try to stay indoors, for this is the time

of day mosquitoes are most active.

• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outside, and spray thin clothing with

repellent.

• Defend yourself using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of

Lemon Eucalypus.

Eliminating breeding grounds is the most important and effective prevention measure

against mosquitoes and West Nile virus. Help the City control Denton’s mosquito population

by removing standing water from these and other common areas on and around your property:

• Open trash and recycling carts

• Boats and pool covers

• Fountains and bird baths

• Clogged rain gutters

• Water bowls for pets

• Buckets and barrels

• Flowerpots and saucers

• Wagons and other toys

• Neglected pools, tires, and piles of trash or debris.

To treat stagnant water, use Bti briquettes. Each briquette will treat 100 square feet of surface water for 30 days without the use of toxic chemicals. To apply, simply drop the briquette in standing water. Bti can be purchased at local garden/hardware stores. This City can also provide two of these briquettes per residence with a valid driver's license and utility bill. For more information, including how you can pick up your Bti from the City, visit www.cityofdenton.com/fightthebite.