The City of Pickering is participating in a region-wide coordinated effort to manage West Nile Virus issues and will be posting up-to-date information on its web page as it becomes available.

Durham Health Department and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority websites provide information about the West Nile Virus including brochures, background information, and links to other useful sites:
www.region.durham.on.ca      www.trca.on.ca

If you have questions related to West Nile Virus and the City of Pickering, please contact our Customer Care Centre at 905.420.4666 or 905.683.7575 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

A CHECKLIST FOR CITY OF PICKERING RESIDENTS TO DEAL WITH STANDING WATER

There are 57 varieties of mosquitoes found throughout Ontario, and only a few species are known to carry West Nile Virus.  The chances of being bitten by an infected mosquito are less than 1%.  Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile Virus become seriously ill.  Mosquitoes can develop in water that stands for a week or more.  To help eliminate mosquitoes around your home and property, remove all standing water by taking the following actions:

• Remove all discarded tires on your property.  Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers, etc.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly.  Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Cover rain barrels with screening.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.  Cover if not in use.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Change water in birdbaths and remove dead leaves at least once a week.
• Cut grass and shrubs since adult mosquitoes can hide in these areas during the daytime.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.  Change water in your wading pool weekly.
• Store small boats and canoes upside down; cover large boats to prevent accumulation of water.  Keep drains open.
• Plastic covers on lawn chairs and other outdoor equipment should be drained weekly.
• Eliminate any accumulation of rain or sprinkler water on your property.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers or children's tire swings.
• Aerate ornamental ponds; stock with mosquito-eating fish.
• Repair any leaks from outdoor water pipes or hoses.  Replace washers on outdoor taps that drip.
• Ensure that culverts are clear so that ditch water can flow easily.
• Flush yard catch basins with garden hose to reduce larvae from hatching.