With summer approaching and the increase in outdoor and evening activities, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division encourages the public to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Standing water combined with warmer weather creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes. In addition to being a nuisance, some mosquito species can transmit diseases such as St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus.

County mosquito control and disease surveillance efforts will be increased in the coming weeks in direct response to mosquito breeding activity.

In addition, the public can further reduce mosquito populations by eliminating potential mosquito breeding sources on their property. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in any container that holds water, such as buckets, barrels, old tires, water troughs, ornamental ponds and neglected swimming pools.

EHD recommends that residents inspect their property for these potential sources and to empty containers or cover them with tightfitting lids.

Ponds and neglected swimming pools can either be drained or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Fish are available from EHD at no charge. To request mosquito fish, call (805) 662-6582.

County residents are encouraged to call the mosquito complaint hotline at (805) 658-4310 to report potential mosquito breeding sources in Ventura County created from improperly maintained swimming pools and other similar water containers on private property.

To minimize exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases, the following precautions are recommended:

DEET. Apply insect repellant containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to label instructions.

Dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes that carry WNV bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear insect repellent and to limit outdoor activity at these times. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace damaged screens.

Drain. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property. In ponds, use mosquito fish or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

The warm weather can also provide conditions for insects such as gnats, midges and crane flies. Although these insects may be a nuisance, they do not bite or transmit diseases to humans and are not monitored or controlled by the Environmental Health Division.

For more information, visit www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth.