As Summer Approaches, New Preventative Mosquito Control Offers An Effective Solution to Fighting West Nile Virus

Schaumburg, IL-As mosquito season approaches, we are all looking for ways to control the mosquito population in our backyards. As families fire up their barbeques and spend more time outdoors, mosquitoes often become the source of much frustration. More importantly, mosquitoes are becoming a serious health threat to people and pets. With just one bite, mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus or other viruses that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). They can also transmit heartworm disease to dogs and cats.

Mosquitoes contract West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds. "West Nile Virus was first found in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937. As of July 2001, West Nile Virus has been documented in 12 states and the District of Columbia in the United States. Because the spread of West Nile Virus is expanding across the U.S., it will likely end up throughout most of the country," said Dr. Jordan Siegel, a technical services veterinarian for Wellmark International.

In 1999, there were 62 reported cases of severe disease and 7 deaths caused by West Nile Virus in New York alone. This virus has been found in humans, horses, birds, dogs, cats, and other animals. Zodiac®, a division of Wellmark International, has developed a preventative mosquito control product that kills developing mosquitoes before they hatch by using an insect growth regulator. This product differs significantly from most insecticidal products on the market today. Instead of killing adult mosquitoes after they have already had the chance to bite you or your pet, Zodiac's Preventative Mosquito Control actually prevents them from ever reaching the breeding, biting adult stage.

Consumers can use this product in their yard to protect against any potential mosquito breeding ground consisting of standing water. It is easy to use; simply sprinkle the granules in areas where mosquitoes may breed (nothing to mix or spray). Because an infected mosquito can bite any human or animal, this product offers a means to reducing the risk of infection by reducing mosquito populations. Preventative Mosquito Control granules offer long-lasting mosquito control for up to 21 days.

Zodiac's Preventative Mosquito Control can be found at most home/garden and pet specialty stores. For more information, please visit their website at www.zodiacpet.com.

Wellmark International is located in Schaumburg, IL, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Garden and Pet Company, a leading producer of consumer garden and pet products. Wellmark International continues to build on its science-based tradition of aggressively seeking new and innovative solutions to animal health and insect control problems. For example, Wellmark International, then known as Zoecon Corporation®, was the first company to develop, manufacture, and market an insect growth regulator.