The Grand River Mosquito Control District offers tips to help people fight the bite this summer — including the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Tim Moore, manager of the Grand River Mosquito Control District, said it’s important for people to remember the three Ds — drain, dress and defend.

Mosquitoes require water to breed, and many problems can be avoided by checking and draining sources of water — disposing of old tires, clearing roof gutters of debris and repairing leaking outdoor faucets. Water in pet dishes and bird baths should be changed frequently.

People who are outside when mosquitoes are active should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, Moore said. It’s important as well to apply a mosquito repellent to bare skin.

Mosquitoes constitute not only a nuisance, but also can carry and spread such diseases as West Nile Virus, Moore said.
“We must be prepared to prevent their spread throughout our public health landscape. And this requires safe, effective, sustained mosquito control and awareness.”

The Grand River Mosquito Control District works to control mosquitos in the Grand Valley, treating more than 2,500 private properties as well as public open spaces. For more information, visit www.fightthebitegj.com.