Haywood County reminds residents of mosquito dangers
File photo
As the summer season comes to an end, Haywood County Health and Human Services is urging residents to take immediate action to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, including encephalitis and Lyme disease.
The “Tip It, Toss It” campaign encourages everyone to tip over any containers holding water and toss out unnecessary items that can collect rainwater, while also addressing tick prevention.
“Encephalitis and Lyme disease are serious health concerns that can lead to severe complications,” said Sarah Banks, Haywood County Public Health Director. “By taking simple steps to remove standing water and prevent tick exposure, residents can significantly reduce their risk of these illnesses and help protect themselves and their families.”
Tips to Prevent Mosquito Breeding:
Tip Over Containers: Regularly tip over items like flowerpots, birdbaths, and buckets that may collect water. Even small amounts of water can become mosquito breeding grounds.
Toss Out Unnecessary Items: Dispose of old tires, cans, or any other items that can collect water and are not in use.
Clean and Maintain Gutters: Ensure gutters are clear of debris and properly draining to prevent water accumulation.
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Use Screens and Keep Doors Closed: Ensure windows and doors are properly screened to keep mosquitoes from entering homes.
Empty and Clean Pet Bowls and Pools: Frequently empty and clean pet bowls, kiddie pools, and any other outdoor water containers.
Tips to Prevent Tick Exposure and Lyme Disease:
Avoid Tick Habitats: When spending time outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas, stay on cleared trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
Use Tick Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin to skin and clothing to deter ticks.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck pants into socks to reduce skin exposure to ticks.
Check for Ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and pets for ticks. Remove any ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
Shower and Change Clothes: Shower and change clothes as soon as possible after outdoor activities to reduce the risk of ticks attaching to your skin.
Mosquito repellent (DEET and natural), BTI Briquets, and general information are available to the public in the Haywood County Environmental Health front lobby located at 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 201, Clyde.
Haywood County Health and Human Services is also monitoring local mosquito and tick populations. Residents are encouraged to report any large areas of standing water or tick-infested areas to the county’s Environmental Health Division at 828.356.2108.
