While one itchy, red mosquito bite may seem like no big deal, mosquitoes can carry serious illnesses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and Zika virus.

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has designated the week of June 26 through July 2 the 19th annual National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. AMCA is an organization dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally-sound mosquito control programs since 1935.

AMCA is sharing tips on how to reduce mosquito populations around your home and lower the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The goal of “Mosquito Week” is to educate the public about the significance of mosquitoes’ potential impacts on people’s daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States and worldwide.

Eliminating sources of standing water goes a long way in preventing mosquitoes from flourishing.

How do you manage water sources in and around your home?

• If you use containers to intentionally collect water, modify the water holder by adding a lid or screen to it so that mosquitoes are prevented from laying eggs in the water.
• Dispose of yard debris such as cans, bottles, and buckets in adequately covered containers so that they do not collect and hold water.
• Empty birdbaths, kiddie pools and pet water dishes regularly.
• Dispose of used tires and old appliances, which could collect standing water.
• Clean rain gutters to remove debris that may clog them and prevent proper water drainage.
• Repair or replace any leaky outdoor faucets.
• If there are areas on your property prone to pooling water, and you are unable to properly drain them, place a mosquito larvicide “dunk” in them to kill mosquito larvae and prevent new mosquitoes from hatching.
• Aerate water gardens and ponds, or stock them with fish, to keep the water from becoming stagnant.
• Educate your community. If you have family members or neighbors who are not adequately managing water on their property, you are still at risk of mosquitoes and becoming infected through the bite of a mosquito. Ask your family and neighbors to join you in managing water sources around your and your neighbors’ homes.

Don’t forget to take personal precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent properly. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective and should be used according to package instructions
• Whenever possible, limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• As weather permits, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.
• Repair or replace torn window and door screens.
• Certain other EPA-approved products containing permethrin can be used on clothing, shoes, bed netting and camping gear to repel and kill mosquitoes and a number of other pests such as ticks. Read the product label and use according to package instructions.

To learn more about mosquito-borne diseases and how to keep your home safe, visit the Onondaga County Health Department website at ongov.net/health/mosquitoborne.html.