The mosquito that carries West Nile virus tends to be found most frequently in rural areas. Several habitats found on rural acreages and farms readily support the production of mosquitoes. Larvae can develop in watering troughs, small ponds, and irrigation ditches, rain barrels, manure lagoons, ruts where farm equipment frequently travels and other areas where water is allowed to accumulate. Even hoof prints can accumulate water and provide a breeding habitat.

To prevent mosquitoes, try to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas. Actions might include improving drainage in areas that are irrigated or filling in ruts where farming equipment frequently travels.

Make sure you thoroughly clean watering troughs regularly. Remove or frequently empty any containers that accumulate water, including discarded tires. Aerate small ponds and stock them with fish that eat mosquito larvae. Check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to determine which species of fish would be best.

In situations where eliminating mosquito-breeding areas is not practical, controlling larvae in breeding areas is the most effective control technique. Treatments registered for larval control on mosquito-breeding habitats, like ponds and lagoons, include Bacillus sphaericus, B. thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.), temephos (Abate®) and growth regulators (Altocid®). As always, carefully read and follow label directions when using any insecticidal products.

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Nebraska Health and Human Services System - includes information on submitting birds

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site