By: Megan Sebay, San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Pool parties, barbecues, camping, softball games...if you're like most people, you'll be spending more time outdoors as the weather warms and the days get longer. But spending time outdoors, especially around dusk and dawn, can put you at risk for mosquito bites - and mosquito-borne diseases!

To reduce your risk of having your summer ruined by a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus, follow these basic precautions:

• Wear an effective insect repellent when outdoors around dusk and dawn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends products containing DEET, picaridin, IR-3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. If you are not wearing repellent, cover up with long pants, long sleeves and closed shoes.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by making sure your window screens fit tightly and are in good condition. Any windows or doors that are not screened should be kept tightly closed.
• Dump and drain standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can develop in less than a week, so check your property frequently.

Here in San Mateo County the overall risk of West Nile virus is low, but the District continues to monitor for West Nile virus in local bird and mosquito populations. You can help by reporting standing water, mosquito problems and dead birds/squirrels (a sign that WNV may be in your neighborhood) to the District online or by calling (650) 344-8592.