Mosquito season is in full swing in Rhode Island, and the latest testing from state officials is another reminder to take mosquito prevention seriously.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in a mosquito pool collected in Tiverton, along with additional detections of West Nile Virus (WNV) in multiple communities.

West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes collected in Cranston, East Providence, North Providence, Providence, and Woonsocket, and Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide.

While the name Jamestown Canyon Virus may be unfamiliar, the steps homeowners can take to reduce mosquito activity around their properties are very familiar — and now is a good time to put them into practice.

What Is Jamestown Canyon Virus?

Jamestown Canyon Virus is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout North America, including the Northeast.

The virus circulates primarily between mosquitoes and animals such as deer. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit JCV to people through their bites.

Many infected people experience no symptoms. Others can develop fever, fatigue, headache, and other flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, JCV can cause serious illnesses affecting the central nervous system, including meningitis and encephalitis.

There is no vaccine to prevent JCV and no medication specifically designed to treat it.

West Nile Virus Is a Bigger Concern Across Rhode Island

The latest findings also include West Nile Virus in mosquitoes from several Rhode Island communities.

West Nile is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most infected people don’t become sick, but approximately one in five develops a fever and other symptoms. In rare cases, serious illness can occur.

With Rhode Island’s WNV risk level currently classified as high statewide, mosquito prevention isn’t something that only matters in communities where a positive mosquito pool has been found.

Start With Your Own Backyard

One of the most effective things homeowners can do is eliminate places where mosquitoes can reproduce.

And it doesn’t take a pond or swamp.

After it rains, walk around your property and look closely for water collecting in:

• Flowerpot saucers
• Birdbaths
• Buckets and watering cans
• Children’s toys
• Clogged gutters
• Wheelbarrows
• Tarps and pool covers
• Pet bowls
• Trash and recycling containers
• Outdoor furniture and equipment

Empty standing water whenever possible and regularly replace water that needs to remain outdoors.

Don’t Forget Where Adult Mosquitoes Hide

Standing water is where the mosquito life cycle begins, but adult mosquitoes also spend time resting in cool, shaded and protected areas around a property.

Dense shrubs, vegetation and other sheltered areas can provide places for mosquitoes to rest during the day before becoming active again.

That’s one reason an effective mosquito-control strategy should look at the entire property, not simply spray the areas where people happen to notice mosquitoes.

YardGuard Takes a Property-Wide Approach to Mosquito Control

YardGuard by SeaScape is designed to reduce mosquito populations around your home by targeting the areas where mosquitoes commonly rest and spend time.

Combined with good homeowner practices such as eliminating standing water, professional mosquito treatments can help reduce mosquito activity around patios, decks, lawns, gardens, and other outdoor living areas.

No mosquito-control program can eliminate every mosquito or guarantee that you won’t be bitten. But reducing mosquito populations around the places where your family spends time can make your yard considerably more enjoyable.

Protect Your Yard for the Rest of Mosquito Season

Rhode Island summers don’t last forever — and neither does mosquito season.

With Jamestown Canyon Virus detected in Tiverton and West Nile Virus detected in multiple communities across the state, this is a good time to inspect your property, eliminate standing water, and take steps to reduce mosquito activity around your home.

Ready to take back your yard? Contact SeaScape today to learn more about YardGuard professional mosquito control.