This is National Mosquito Awareness Week, though most people in the region don’t have to wait long to become “aware” of the presence of this whining, persistent pest.

Yet itchy bumps aren’t the only potential risk these biting insects pose to humans and domestic animals, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development advises.

“Mosquitoes may seem like a small nuisance, but they can spread deadly diseases, like West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, to both people and animals through their bites,” said Mike Philip, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division director. “Michiganders can help limit the risk of disease outbreaks by developing a mosquito prevention strategy to reduce pest populations.”

One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent mosquitoes is removing any standing water on your property, according to MDARD. Mosquitoes lay eggs in water, so eliminating standing water removes mosquitoes’ ability to breed. Mosquito larvae live in water until they grow into flying adults, making preventative and early action essential.

To remove standing water, MDARD recommends —

— Clearing clogged gutters;

— Dumping water from potted plant saucers;

— Changing water in animals’ bowls, buckets or troughs at least once a day;

— Drilling holes in containers to eliminate standing water;

— Cleaning and scrubbing bird baths weekly;

— Emptying standing water from wheelbarrows, buckets, children’s toys or anywhere else water can accumulate.

Once mosquitoes arrive, insect repellents applied to the skin or clothing are one of the most popular and effective products used to avoid insect bites. Other commonly used repellents include torches, table-top diffusers, candles and coils. When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with one of these active ingredients are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women: DEET; Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the U.S.; IR3535; oil of lemon eucalyptus; para-menthane-diol; and 2-undecanone.

Insect repellents are also available for animals. Labels should be read closely to determine which repellent has been approved for which species.

Animals can also be protected against mosquito-borne diseases by —

— Placing livestock in a barn under fans (as mosquitoes are not strong flyers) and keeping pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.

— Vaccinating horses against mosquito-borne diseases. Talk to a veterinarian to see if the vaccine is right for your horse.

— Contacting a veterinarian to learn more about mosquito-borne diseases and the best methods for protecting your animals.

If an animal shows any sign of illness, contact a veterinarian and report mosquito-borne diseases to MDARD by completing and submitting a Reportable Disease Form to mireportableanimal@Michigan.gov.

Larvicides and adulticides can also provide temporary control of mosquitoes. Larvicides are products designed to be applied directly to water to control mosquito larvae. Adulticides are used in fogging and spraying to control adult mosquitoes. Both options can temporarily reduce the mosquito population in the treated area but do not provide long-term solutions against mosquitoes.

A safe alternative to applying insecticides yourself is hiring a mosquito control business, MDARD advised. Mosquito control businesses are required to be licensed to apply pesticides in Michigan and must meet certain experience requirements, employ certified pesticide applicators who have passed MDARD proficiency examinations, and meet financial requirements including proof of insurance. MDARD has a list of licensed pesticide applicator businesses in Michigan.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, go online to Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.