ABC News reports of West Nile virus infection in the country now total 1,590, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday - an increase of more than 40 percent in one week alone.

When trying to combat mosquitoes, it is not always the easiest task. However, taking the preventative steps below, along with insect repellents and an ongoing mosquito service, you can reduce your risk against mosquito bites and infestations.

How to prevent mosquitoes?

• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites:

• Empty standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels.
• Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly.
• Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
• Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
• Contact a pest control professional treat for mosquitoes to reduce mosquito populations.

Consumer Reports, reveal the top 3 insect repellents for avoiding West Nile:

Off Deep Woods Sportsmen II (30% deet)

Cutter Backwoods Unscented (23% deet)

Off FamilyCare Smooth & Dry (15% deet)

“You shouldn’t use repellent on infants and if you must use a bug spray on children, make sure its concentrations of deet are no higher than 30 percent and follow instructions carefully,” says Nicole Sarrubbo, associate editor, Consumer Reports. “Avoid sunscreens with insect repellent. Sunscreens are meant to be applied and reapplied liberally. You don’t want to expose yourself and your family to unnecessarily high concentrations of repellents.”

Thomas Pest Services offers a service May through October that will provide a reduction of mosquito activity around your property. Each visit includes an inspection to the property including the structure and yard looking for conducive conditions, which harbor mosquitoes. Providing an exterior treatment to shrubbery, plants and around the structure and property will reduce adult populations. As a result tick reductions are a natural byproduct of this service.

The risk of mosquitoes in Ballston Spa and surrounding areas is real! With cases of West Nile increasing it is important to protect your family, health and property. Our mosquito tips above will help reduce mosquito breeding areas in and around your property. To learn more about Thomas Pest Services and our green mosquito service headed over to our website and fill out our contact form to learn how Thomas Pest can assist with your mosquito problem.