Use the ‘4 Ds’ to prevent mosquito breeding grounds

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) --  After on-and-off rain for the past two weeks, muddy streets and flood damage aren't the only things the rain left. Standing water has puddled across the Borderland -- inviting more mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are attracted to areas with standing water, high humidity and areas providing shelter. An amount as small as a water bottle cap can support thousands of eggs.

Common sources of standing water include buckets, empty flower pots, pet bowls, bird baths, open tires and swimming pools. Damp soil can also attract mosquitoes.

Parks throughout El Paso are now hot spots with puddles filled by the rain.

The City is urging people across the area to take precaustions and use the four Ds of prevention:

DEET: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone when outdoors. Follow label directions.

DRESS: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Apply repellent to clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics.

DUSK & DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.

DRAIN: Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet bowls, discarded tires, birdbaths, and other containers. Refresh pet water daily.

Preventing mosquito bites goes beyond comfort. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus by biting humans. The City of El Paso said it detected seven cases of West Nile virus by Sept. 30.

According to the Department of Public Health, symptoms of West Nile infection include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands.

Standing water or mosquito breeding sites can be reported by calling (915) 212-6000 or 311.