US Housing slump raises concerns about Mosquitos?

The news is full of reports about the mortgage dilema which is negatively affecting the US economy, but could it mean an outbreak of West Nile Virus as well??

The Center for Disease control thinks it might. Foreclosed homes fall quickly into disrepair and can sit empty for months. This means lawns don't recieve proper care, gutters do not get cleaned and most importantly pools and other containers can fill with rain water providing a perfect spawning ground for mosquitos.

Mostquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water. Usually there is very little stagnant water in an average household's yard, but in an unoccupied foreclosed home there may be an increase of standing water and an epidemic mosquito population.

While there may be little you can do to protect yourself from the foreclosed house down the street, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquitos and the deadly diseases they can carry.

• Get rid of any standing water you may have on the property- Turn over or drill drainage holes in old containers or pots you have laying around. Make sure you drain any pools when not in use.
• Wear mosquito repellant whenever you are outdoors where mosquitos might congregate.
• Have a pest control specialist come and spray your house.