LAKEPORT, Calif. — As August winds down and summer draws to a close, residents are preparing for the last few weekends of outdoor activities. 

However, with the warmer weather, the Lake County Vector Control District said that it's more important than ever to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and diseases like West Nile virus.

Vector Control District reported that four mosquito samples collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus, or WNV, this week.  

The agency said the mosquitoes were trapped near Clearlake Oaks.

“Warmer weather, especially overnight, means mosquitoes are developing faster and feeding more often. This gives them more opportunities to transmit diseases like West Nile virus,” said Dr. Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District.

Simple steps to fight mosquitoes

To protect yourself, your family, and your community from mosquito bites, Dr. Scott recommends using a mosquito repellent that contains any EPA-registered active ingredient.  

“Look for the active ingredient on the front label of the repellent container, and choose one you’ll use,” she said. “Everyone knows about DEET because it’s extremely effective and long-lasting, but there are a lot of other mosquito repellent options. I like Picaridin because it's odorless and non-greasy.  If you prefer something that uses a naturally derived active ingredient, look for repellents that contain Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Oil of Citronella, or Catnip Oil.” 

• Eliminate standing water at home. Mosquitoes can develop in even small amounts of water. Empty wheelbarrows, planters, toys, and anything that can hold water.

• When possible, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use mosquito repellent. Choose an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label instructions.

• Wear protective clothing. Cover up with long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

If you have a mosquito problem on your property, you can get free mosquito-eating fish from Vector Control to prevent mosquitoes from developing in animal stock tanks, water gardens, fountains, or out-of-service pools and spas. 

The fastest way to get them is to pick them up from Vector Control's main office in Lakeport, but you should call first to make sure they have fish available.

If you need help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa or an in-ground yellowjacket nest on your property that you'd like treated, contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or submit a request on their website at www.LCVCD.org.

For more information about West Nile virus or to report a dead bird, visit westnile.ca.gov. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.