Disease-carrying mosquitoes still biting

While mosquitoes tend to become less active as summer heat diminishes, the threat of these disease-carrying pests could continue as late as mid-October. Public health officials advise residents to avoid being bitten by wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wearing insect repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Residents also are urged to eliminate potential breeding sites by storing containers such as buckets, plant pots and uncovered rain barrels upside down so that they do not hold water. Visit www.oak-park.us/fightthebite or email health@oak-park.us for more information.