RESERVE — St. John Mosquito Control detected positive cases of the West Nile Virus recently in Reserve and Edgard.

According to St. John the Baptist Parish administration, state law prohibits the company from disclosing the exact location of the mosquito samples; however, residents located in a five-block radius receive door hangers with information.

In addition, heightened spraying is being conducted in these areas, and personnel have been assigned to inspect the sampling area to address breeding sites.

Residents are encouraged to assist with protecting themselves and their homes and businesses from mosquitoes, which are most common in warm weather.

Protect Yourself:

• If outside, wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET

• To apply repellent to face, spray on hands and rub on face, avoiding eyes

• Adults should always apply repellent to children

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time

• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time

Protect Your Home:

• Make sure all windows and doors are tight-fitting and screens are free of holes

• Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed

• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers

• Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys or anything that could collect water

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers

• Check and clean roof gutters routinely, as they can produce millions of mosquitoes each season

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish; water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used

For more information, visit southeastmosquitocontrol.com or call 985-536-6530.