Stop The Spread Of West Nile Virus: Remove Standing Water

By: American Leak Detection | 0 Shares 141 Reads

(Tuesday, August 22, 2006) - After a wetter-than-average rain season, followed by a record breaking heat wave this summer, conditions have never been better for female mosquitoes looking for standing water to lay their eggs. Removing standing water is crucial to controlling the mosquito population, and subsequently the mosquito-borne disease West Nile Virus (WNV).

Is your backyard a breeding ground for the West Nile Virus?
Throughout the state, Mosquito and Vector Control Districts have resorted to aerial surveillance for identifying green swimming pools so staff can follow-up on the ground with residents. These green pools are typically neglected pools where the water is not filtering or moving. The stagnant water in these swimming pools can be a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. A hidden leak may be causing reduced water circulation, or creating a chemical imbalance that promotes algae growth. American Leak Detection can detect leaks that may be causing the underlying problem.

Go to www.americanleakdetection.com/west-nile-virus.php for helpful tools for homeowners wanting to avoid a leaky situation on their property.

Chris Graham, Owner of American Leak Detection of San Gabriel Valley, has noticed more calls this summer specifically-related to stagnant pools. "We have received calls from homeowners that Vector Control has sited. Our technicians have been able to find the leaks causing the subsequent pool problems. Once fixed, the standing water and algae issues are gone. And so is the threat of West Nile Virus."

Drain or dump
It can take as little as five days for mosquito larval to incubate into an adult in stagnant water. They can even breed in an open discarded tin can. Remove all standing water around your property where mosquitoes lay eggs such as birdbaths, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters, or even puddles from leaky sprinklers. Be sure to maintain pools and spas, add mosquitofish to ponds, and flush out bird baths, outdoor pet bowls, and fountains at least once a week.

Hidden leaks may be the source of standing water
Even when residents do their part by emptying or turning over anything that holds water in their yards, they may still have a green swimming pool, spa, or an unidentified source of standing water. American Leak Detection can identify and fix those hidden leaks.

American Leak Detection can help locate the origin of any water leak around your house to alleviate even the smallest puddle from forming. A plumbing or irrigation leak may cause puddles of standing water or soggy spots. By fixing leaky faucets, irrigation valves, sprinklers, and other plumbing problems homeowners will reduce the threat of WNV plus save money on their water bill.

About the West Nile Virus
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. A mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on infected birds. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of serious illness to humans is low. Most infected individuals will not experience any illness. However, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk for serious illness. There is no vaccine for WNV, so taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is imperative. Using insect repellent with DEET, wearing long tops and long pants, shoes with socks, and removing any standing water will greatly reduce your changes of getting bitten. To view the latest WNV activity in the US, visit the CDC website.

About American Leak Detection®
If you have standing water or a green pool, call American Leak Detection at 800.755.6697. American Leak Detection is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks including hidden water and sewer leaks. From swimming pool cracks to concealed plumbing systems, the smallest leak is located with the most advanced, sophisticated electronic devices – without bashing holes in walls or digging up the deck and yard. American Leak Detection sets the standard for non-invasive leak detection and repair with proprietary methods and technology. Founded over 30 years ago, we now operate a network of highly trained Original Leak Specialists on six continents. For the last five years, American Leak Detection has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine's "Maintenance Products and Services" franchise sector. For more information on American Leak Detection, visit www.americanleakdetection.com.