West Nile Virus and Birdfeeding Safety

Feed Wild Birds

"It is completely safe to feed and provide habitat for wild birds." This statement comes from Ohio State University.

Know the enemy ...Mosquito!

West Nile Virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily C.pipiens, the common household mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after biting infected wild birds, the primary host of the virus. The strain of WNV circulating in the United States causes significant mortality (death) in exotic and native and bird species, especially the American Crow. Dead birds serve as an early warning that the virus may be active in your area. These deaths should be reported to your local health department. There is no evidence that WNV can be contracted from dead birds. For more comprehensive information about the mosquito life cycle and mosquito control, visit the North Central Pest Management Center

Keep Your Backyard Habitat Mosquito Free!

Remove decaying vegetation and floating debris from ponds
Fill puddles
Add goldfish and frogs to garden pools and ponds
Change water weekly in bird baths
Aerate garden pools
Keep rain gutters free of debris
Empty containers holding standing water
Find out more about Mosquito Hygiene

Protect Yourself!

Mosquito season may run from April thru October
It is safe to assume that after two hard frosts, mosquito season is over until spring
Information on personal protection (Deet etc.) may be found at CDC

West Nile Virus is a serious threat to all of us. The reason I created this page is to inform the readers of important links to information about mosquitoes and WNV. Discontinuing the feeding of wild birds does not decrease this threat and is detrimental to the wild bird population. As a responsible citizen and keeper of a backyard wildlife habitat, I make it a point to keep well informed about WNV. It is my sincere hope that after reviewing the information provided, you too will decide to continue feeding the birds. ......JL Vanooyen