[July 28, 2014]

Health Officials Continue to Warn Against the Spread of West Nile Virus

The Rentokil family of pest control companies, (Ehrlich Pest Control, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X Pest Control), understand the importance of preventing mosquito bites. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 30 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds or mosquitoes. Rentokil wants to educate the public about mosquito prevention to protect themselves and their families against mosquito-borne diseases.

With recent reports on rainfall and an increase in U.S. temperatures, mosquito populations are in abundance. Sometimes th most unexpected sites could be an ideal breeding site for this pest. Water is crucial for mosquito eggs to develop and hatch. By getting rid of water in unwanted areas you can help to control the presence of new adult mosquitoes.

"With the threat of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, it's important for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites when spending time outdoors," said Nancy Troyano, PhD, BCE (News - Alert), training manager/entomologist for Rentokil-North America. "And equally important is for people to inspect their homes or businesses for locations that can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes."

Rentokil offers the following tips for mosquito prevention:

Prevent mosquitoes indoors

• Fans - Using box fans, floor fans on porch, patio or deck areas can keep mosquitoes away since they are not strong fliers and cannot fly against the current.
• Fit fine mesh screens - Install these screens in your doorways and windows to block off their access inside your home. Screens should be bug tight or 18x18 strands per inch.

Prevent mosquitoes in the yard

• Get rid of standing water - Empty water out of wheelbarrows, empty flower pots, watering cans and from any other containers (objects), where water can collect.
• Keep lawns short - Ensure lawns are approximately 3 inches in height.
• Investigate professional services - Mosquito barrier treatment services can be used to reduce the amount of mosquitoes on your property to decrease the odds of getting bitten by one.

Protect yourself against mosquitoes

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito times - Peak activity is at dusk and at dawn.
• Wear light colored clothing - Mosquitoes are generally more attracted to dark colors.
• Use insect repellents - If you cannot avoid outdoor activities, use insect repellents (sprays) to protect yourself. Always use repellents with an EPA registration number.

About Rentokil North America

Rentokil North America is part of Rentokil Initial plc, one of the world's largest and most diverse business service companies, operating in 69 countries worldwide. Ehrlich Pest Control (www.jcehrlich.com), Western Exterminator (www.westernexterminator.com), and Presto-X Pest Control (www.prestox.com) are part of the Rentokil family of pest control companies in North America. They provide commercial and residential pest control, bioremediation, bird control, vegetation management, deer repellent services, wild-animal trapping and termite control in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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