West Nile Virus


Our Environmental Health Division works closely with other Town and State departments to conduct a comprehensive mosquito control program. The program includes public education, and the application of larvicide on public property. The goal of the program is to reduce the public’s risk of exposure to mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne viruses.

View more information on the CT Department of Public Health's West Nile Webpage.

Protect Yourself against West Nile Virus (WNV)

Remember the "4 Ds" to reduce your chance of getting bit by an infected mosquito.

  • Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent

  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants

  • Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN

  • DRAIN standing water outside your home

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply insect repellent

Apply it every time you go outdoors. Products containing a chemical called DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are most effective. Use the lowest concentration of DEET necessary for time spent out of doors (i.e. 6% DEET will protect you for about 2 hrs). Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product’s label. For children under age 2 years, parents should consult their pediatrician. DEET should NEVER be used on infants less than two months old.

See CDC Mosquito Repellent Update

Wear protective clothing
When possible wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through clothing, so spray repellent onto clothing for extra protection.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dawn to dusk are peak mosquito biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning.

Mosquito Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water. For example, unused flowerpots, birdbaths and dog bowls. A dog bowl can breed nearly 1,000 mosquitoes!

Install or Repair Screens

The best way to keep mosquitoes outside is to have well-fitted screens on both windows and doors.

Please help us monitor wild bird populations in Connecticut by reporting sightings of dead wild birds to the Wild Bird Mortality Database.

  • If you see several dead birds (>5) in one location or notice that several birds die in the same area over the course of several days, this is a situation where testing of the dead birds may be warranted. If you observe this type of die-off, in addition to filling out this form, please call the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.

  • Individual wild backyard birds that are found dead can be reported here and should be disposed of properly (bury or double bag and place in your garbage receptacle).

  • Sick or dead domestic birds – mainly poultry - should be reported to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505.