Nassau County legislator Vincent Muscarella is reminding all residents this summer to be aware of the threat of mosquitoes and the West Nile virus. Nassau County will be taking precautions similar to those done in recent years to help protect all residents. It is imperative that all residents pitch in to help reduce the mosquito population in their communities.

"With major outbreaks of West Nile virus around the country during the past few summers, it is very important that we all remain cognizant of the threat," Legislator Muscarella said.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to help control the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes. It is important to know the type of environment where the mosquitos lay their eggs. Here are a number of ways to decrease the mosquito population in your area and protect yourself and your family:

* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers.

* Dispose of used tires - call your landfill or Department of Public Works to find out how to dispose of them properly.

* Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

* Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

* Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

* Change the water in birdbaths twice a week.

* Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.

* Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

* Drain water from pool covers.

* Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.

* Make sure window and door screens are tight fitting and in good repair.

* Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.

* Apply mosquito repellent according to instructions on the container. Do not allow children to apply their own.

* Notify county health officials of dead birds or any other mosquito complaints.

It is important to remain aware of the mosquito situation in Nassau County. If you should need further information or you would like to report a mosquito-related incident, call Nassau County's 24-hour information line at 571-2500 or the Nassau County Department of Health weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 571-8707. The following websites also contain useful information on the West Nile virus:

- Nassau County Department of Health www.co.nassau.ny.us/health/index.html

- New York State Department of Health www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/westnile/index.htm

Center for Disease Control

www.cdc.gov

As always, if you should need further information, do not hesitate to contact Legislator Muscarella's office at 571-6208.