UPDATE: August 10,2009... West Nile Virus has been detected in a Prosser, WA resident as well as 5 dead birds. The virus has also been detected in a dead crow in Mason County.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/673821.html 

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/v-printerfriendly/story/838315.html

Should we still take precautions against West Nile Virus? Absolutely

 June 5, 2009 Olympia, WA – Although there has been little attention paid to the importance of West Nile Prevention, recent news reports prove that West Nile is still at large throughout the nation, and a potential threat to the Pacific Northwest. Taking preventative measures against bites and helping to control the mosquito population now can reduce your risk of infection during peek mosquito season.

Because of our current economic climate, mosquito abatement has not been a funding priority for government entities. Water reservoirs and catch basins that were monitored and treated annually for mosquito larvae will now be left alone. Typically the pattern of the West Nile Virus disease is to grow rapidly in the number of cases…Fortunately Washington and Oregon have not yet experienced this type of outbreak. With the right precautions we might not have to…it is pertinent that citizens help keep the mosquito populations down around their own homes and yards.

 The number one preventative action that folks can take around there home and yard is to eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or moist, soft soil. Examples to look for include: old tires, potted plants, empty buckets, kids’ toys, pools, ponds, bird baths, puddles, shovels, tarps, and anything similar that can collect water. Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult within 10 to 14 days, so the window of opportunity to prevent biting adult mosquitoes is narrow; therefore it is best to change standing water at least once a week.

 Mosquitoes frequent the early morning and early evening hours and avoid the heat of day. During dawn and dusk, it is best to where long sleeves, long pants and use a DEET based mosquito repellent. A pest professional can also help you determine other ways to prevent mosquitoes as well as treat for larvae and adult mosquitoes.

Eden Advanced Pest Technologies would like to remind all citizens of the Pacific Northwest to remember the danger of mosquito bites and take serious precautions to avoid them.