As the summer progresses, health officials have reported a concerning outbreak of West Nile Virus (WNV) in our local area. This development highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne illnesses. While the majority of people infected with WNV may not show symptoms, the virus can lead to severe complications in some cases, making prevention crucial.

What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that first appeared in the United States in 1999 and has since become a recurring public health concern. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, around 20% may develop mild symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare instances, WNV can lead to severe neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be life-threatening.

The Local Outbreak: A Growing Concern
This year, our local community has seen an uptick in reported cases of West Nile Virus, prompting health authorities to issue warnings and encourage preventive measures. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant, especially during peak mosquito season. With more mosquitoes potentially carrying the virus, the risk to public health has increased, making it essential to take action now.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
Given the local outbreak, reducing your risk of West Nile Virus is more important than ever. Here are some key steps you can take:
– **Use Insect Repellent**: Apply an EPA-registered mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing, particularly when spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk.
– **Wear Protective Clothing**: Covering up with long sleeves, pants, and socks can help reduce the chances of mosquito bites.
– **Eliminate Standing Water**: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s crucial to remove any stagnant water around your home, such as in flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and other containers.
-**Install Screens**: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

How Garden State Mosquito & Tick Can Help During the Outbreak
In light of the local outbreak, Garden State Mosquito & Tick is committed to helping you protect your home and family from the increased threat of West Nile Virus. Our mosquito control services are more critical than ever, as we work to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Here’s how we can help:
-**Thorough Property Inspections**: Our team will conduct a detailed inspection of your property to identify potential mosquito breeding sites and areas of high activity, particularly those that might contribute to the outbreak.
-**Targeted Treatments**: We apply targeted treatments to key areas where mosquitoes breed and rest, including shrubs, tall grass, and standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
-**Larvicide Applications**: We use environmentally safe larvicides in areas of standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as ponds or rain barrels, to prevent mosquitoes from maturing and spreading the virus.
-**Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance**: Given the local outbreak, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential. We offer regular check-ups to ensure your property remains mosquito-free throughout the season.
-**Customized Solutions**: Every property is unique, so we tailor our mosquito control plans to meet your specific needs and address the heightened risk posed by the local outbreak.

With a local outbreak of West Nile Virus underway, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect your family and property. By partnering with Garden State Mosquito & Tick, you can reduce the risk of exposure to this dangerous virus. Our professional, effective, and environmentally responsible mosquito control services will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces safely, even in the midst of this outbreak. Contact Garden State Mosquito & Tick today to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home and loved ones safe from West Nile Virus during this critical time.