In the of 1999, West Nile Virus a mosquito borne infection that can cause encephalitis, was found in New York State. While the chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, West Nile virus continues to require our attention as warmer weather approaches. Individuals age 50 and older are at highest risk. The Dutchess County Department of Health wants you to have the information you need reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard and home.
Mosquitoes are small flying insects that feed on human and animal blood or plant juices.
Only female mosquitoes bite to get a blood meal for their growing eggs. Many mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus lay their eggs stagnant water around the home. Mosquitoes are often active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm, and that is when the females are most likely to bite. Some species will bite during the daytime. Mosquitoes can develop in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days.