MOSQUITO FIGHTERS ARMED FOR BATTLE OFFICIALS SAY WEST NILE COULD BE A CONCERN THIS SUMMER.(LOCAL) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

Byline: JANIE BRYANT THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

After weeks of drenching rains and with summer on the way, it might seem like a good time to invest in mosquito netting.

But officials who track the blood-sucking pests can't say for sure.

As the biting season approaches again, South Hampton Roads cities are boosting bug-battling arsenals and trying to help residents prepare for the fight.

``It's been a busy year, especially near wooded areas,'' said Gene Payne, director of the consolidated Chesapeake Mosquito Control Commission. ``Populations have been fairly high.''

The wet winter left standing water in ditches and fields and made for plenty of breeding grounds for the first wave of spring mosquitoes, said Suffolk's city biologist, Norm Greef.

It has been the worst in communities near the Dismal Swamp.

But spring mosquitoes are dying down, Greef said.

Still, the numbers will climb ``dramatically'' by the end of the week, according to ``The Buzz,'' as Portsmouth calls its weekly online updates.

The city has pumped about $180,000 more into its mosquito-control budget and multiplied its surveillance, larviciding and spraying efforts. A consultant hired to help will report to City Council members on Tuesday, said James Spacek, the public works director.

Meanwhile, the city's health department is sending fliers to schools, talking to civic leagues and even trying to get mosquito repellant to the homeless.

Last year saw one of the worst droughts in state history. When the rain finally came, the winged invaders showed up in force, bringing more fears of the West Nile virus.

In 2002, the mosquito-borne disease was diagnosed in 29 Virginians, and two died.

On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health announced that two crows found May 30 in Fauquier County had tested positive for West Nile.

The state has asked residents to report dead crows, blue jays and birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, to local health departments. The birds will be tested only until the virus is confirmed in an area.

Heavy rainfall is not necessarily a prediction of a greater risk, according to Dr. Suzanne Jenkins, assistant state epidemiologist.

Last year, the drought might actually have helped spread the virus. Certain mosquitoes that transfer the disease from bird to bird tend to breed in small amounts of water with a lot of organic material, which can be found in dried-up streams and water containers, Jenkins said.

Norfolk and other cities are asking residents to regularly empty birdbaths, potted plants and other places where water collects.

Any long-standing water that can't be eliminated by the resident should be reported to the city, said Agnes Flemming, environmental health supervisor for the Norfolk Health Department.

The city will spray in areas where officials receive several complaints.

In Virginia Beach, health officials said the wet weather hasn't caused any change in operations.

``We're doing those things that we're supposed to be doing,'' said Frank J. ``Skip'' Scanlon, environmental health manager.

That includes monitoring birds and operating a mosquito-control program managed by two biologists. The focus is on counting mosquitoes and, if necessary, abatement.

In Chesapeake, a new commission was brought about by the merger of five independent programs that operated for years in the city's boroughs. The reconfigured program covers an additional 96 square miles in previously unserved southern Chesapeake.

In Suffolk, mosquito briquettes are available free at the municipal center and will be at local fire stations throughout the city. They can be placed in standing water to help prevent breeding.

Reach Janie Bryant at janie.bryant@pilotonline.com or at 446-2453.

CAPTION(S):

PROTECT YOURSELF Here are tips from the Virginia Department of Health to prevent mosquito problems: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent with no more than 50 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children. Follow product instructions.

Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys. Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs. Clean out birdbaths and wading pools weekly. Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly. THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT FILE PHOTO

VIRUS

Last year, 29 Virginians contracted the West Nile virus, and two died.