As summer arrives, so do mosquitoes, bringing the risk of diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). While the overall threat is low, Long Island residents need to be cautious, especially those who are pregnant, young, or immunocompromised.

First, eliminate standing water around your home. Remove stagnant water from birdbaths, flower pots, and clogged gutters to reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites.

When spending time outdoors, apply EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin. This is especially important during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Wearing light-colored long sleeves and pants can help make you less visible to mosquitoes, which are attracted to dark colors. 

Regularly maintain your yard by trimming grass and bushes to eliminate resting places for mosquitoes. 

Finally, stay informed about local health advisories and community efforts to control mosquito populations. 

By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy summer on Long Island without worrying about annoying—and potentially dangerous—mosquito bites!