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after they have bitten someone with the infec- tion. Therefore, county workers set up traps near the resident's home to see if any mos- quitos in that area had the virus. The tests were negative. Mosquito control technicians also walked through the neighborhood to tell residents to drain any standing water, where mosquito larvae could develop. There have been no reports of anyone acquir- ing chikungunya in Sarasota County, but Smith said the county is ready to respond to the potential threat of the virus. Health Department staff suggests residents follow simple tips to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry: • Drain any standing water to stop mosqui- toes from multiplying. Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, The native mosquito fish, gambusia, is already present in most healthy ponds, lakes and canals. These fish provide excellent biological control for mosquitoes in aquatic stages. including containers that hold water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. • Flush bromeliad plants with fresh water or use a larvicide (e.g., BTI granules) in the "tank" of the bromeliad to limit mosquito development. • Cover skin with clothing or repellent. Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and cloth- ing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months. • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your residence. Since mosquitoes can bite any time you are outdoors, always be cautious. Sarasota News Leader August 1, 2014 Page 29