35% of mosquitoes in Salt Lake have tested positive for West Nile virus — normally it’s less than 5%!
The best way to prevent getting it is by preventing mosquito bites:
1. Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. Avoid being out during dawn and dusk.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover you up like long sleeves and long pants.
4. Drain standing water in your yard, clear your gutters, and cut your tall grass and bushes.
Stay safe!
With West Nile virus levels in mosquitoes rising significantly—7 times higher than in the past 5 years—it’s become crucial to be extra vigilant, especially for residents in Salt Lake and surrounding Utah areas like Park City and Provo. From my own experience living here, I’ve noticed that mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, so planning outdoor activities around these times can reduce your risk of bites. Using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus has worked well for me, providing reliable protection even on my longest hikes and outdoor excursions. Additionally, maintaining your yard is a powerful defense. Standing water, clogged gutters, and overgrown grass create perfect mosquito breeding grounds. I make it a weekly habit during warmer months to empty containers that collect water, clear out gutters, and mow the lawn regularly. Wearing long sleeves and pants not only helps prevent bites but also is a simple strategy preferred on evenings when mosquitoes swarm more aggressively. It’s important to stay informed about local mosquito activity and related West Nile virus updates through community resources or public health alerts. Using maps and local data like those from Mosq Sentinel programs provides insight into affected areas so you can take targeted precautions. Prioritizing prevention measures not only protects your health but also that of your family and neighbors during this high-risk period.