Green Country Health Experts Begin Mosquito Prevention; Share Tips To Reduce Exposure

It's mosquito season and the Tulsa Health Department has trucks out spraying to get ahead of the pesky insects. 

Experts say people are at a greater risk of exposure to mosquito bites from July through October in our state, but it is never too soon to take precautions. 

The Tulsa Health Department's mosquito surveillance program uses mosquito traps throughout Tulsa County. Michael Morrison says it's going to get worse as temperatures rise. 

"Eliminate any areas that mosquitoes are able to habitat. As soon as the temperatures rise to a temperature that’s ideal for their activity, they will become active and they'll become a nuisance," Morrison said.  

Morrison says the department is constantly setting up traps around neighborhoods for mosquitoes. After mosquitoes are collected from the traps, they are tested for West Nile Virus. In 2021 there were 17 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Oklahoma and two were fatal.  

"If we find an area that has West Nile-positive mosquitoes we will go out and treat that area accordingly,” Morrison said.  

He says people should always be prepared for mosquitoes during mosquito season and that prevention is going to start at home with your front and back yard. Standing water is a big thing that attracts mosquitoes.  

"Check your bird stations such as your bird bath or feeders and make sure they aren't holding any water," Morrison said.  

He says it's also good to be mindful of things inside your home too. 

"Check your planters whenever you water your plants and make sure that you’re dumping the water that’s in there after a few days," Morrison said.  

Tall grass can also attract bugs. The health department has updated numbers on its website weekly that keep track of the mosquitoes.  

You can call the health department to request a spray in your neighborhood. 

For more information, CLICK HERE.