West Nile hits home

As of last Thursday (Aug. 3), six pools of mosquitoes and two sentinel chickens—one in Palermo and another west of Chico—had tested positive for West Nile virus in Butte County, according to the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. As such, the district is urging residents to drain unnecessary standing water and report any suspected mosquito-breeding sites by calling 533-6038 or going to www.buttemosquito.com. Also, take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active—dusk and dawn.

• If outside during those times, wear long pants, sleeves, socks and shoes.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.

• Replace screens with tears or holes.