WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS / ENCEPHALITIS?

West Nile encephalitis was detected for the 1st time in the U.S. in the New York City metropolitan area in late summer of '99. The virus, which can cause this encephalitis, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, mainly Culex pipiens.

All residents living in areas where West Nile virus has been detected can potentially become infected with the virus. However, only a small minority of people who become infected will develop a serious case of encephalitis.

Some people, however, are at greater risk. People over 50 years of age are more likely to become severely ill because of their weakening immune system. Anyone with a compromised immune system, regardless of age, is at risk.

Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or mild ones such as fever, headache, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph glands.

A more severe infection, which may lead to encephalitis, includes, headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, coma, neurological damage, and paralysis, but rarely death.

HOW YOU CAN REDUCE BREEDING SITES AROUND HOME & YARD

The number of mosquito breeding sites around the home can be reduced by eliminating standing water in which mosquitoes can breed.

• Dispose of anything outside that can collect or hold water, such as buckets or cans, and particularly tires.
• Clean & drain clogged roof gutters every year.
• Eliminate areas of standing water - do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths, ornamental pools, water gardens, and swimming pools and their covers. (Empty birdbaths at least once a week.)
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets that leave puddles. Remember, during warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle of water.

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BEING BITTEN

• Make sure all openings of your house are tightly screened - "bug tight."
• Stay indoors during periods of high mosquito activity at dawn, dusk, and early evening.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you go outdoors at those times.
• Insect repellents containing 30% DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide), when applied sparingly to exposed skin and thin clothing, can deter mosquitoes from biting. (Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices have not been proven effective in preventing mosquito bites.)

FOREST CITY TREE'S MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAMS

Heightened concerns about West Nile Virus brought increasing requests for a mosquito control program. In response, Forest City Tree developed a program which protects yards from adult mosquitoes which transmit the West Nile virus and encephalitis as well as roundworm to pets.

We've taken great care to select a material that suits our local conditions and achieves effective control with the least impact on human health and the environment.

The best way to suppress mosquito activity is through a Full Season 4-application program, but we also offer a Basic 3-application program and Special Event protection when needed.

Our Full Season program adds a 4th application, extending protection past Labor Day, into early Fall.

Demand CS offers 5-6 weeks protection under normal weather conditions, and 3-4 weeks during periods of heavy rain-fall. For most typical landscapes, up to 1/2 acre, the cost for ClevelandSeniors.Com visitors for Basic will be under $150, and Full Season, under $200.

Applications focus on yard & house perimeters up to a maximum 6' height, targeting shaded & humid areas which provide landing areas & harborage for adult mosquitoes during the day.

This includes trees & shrubs around the property & house, and within the bedwork, plus places such as windows & door screens; under decks, around dog houses; lower parts of fences & external walls.

For properties with large wooded areas, applications will extend to a maximum depth of 20-25'.

Have us inspect your property & quote for Special Event application, then call us when the need arises.

Our 1st year (2003) of mosquito control received rave reviews! Clients enjoyed less swatting & more of their yards this past summer, all without unpleasant odors or disruption to daily activities.

Demand CS, an encapsulated pyrethroid, acts similar to pyrethrins, naturally-derived insecticides from chrysanthemum flowers.

Pyrethroids are specifically selected for public health mosquito control pro-grams because they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health, wildlife, or the environment.

Demand CS's encapsulated formulation provides fast and long-term activity during extended out-door exposure. It was engineered specifically for the shaded & humid surfaces upon which mosquitoes rest and provides quick, effective control of mosquitoes that exhibit resistance to other materials