--- title: "West Nile Virus in Suffolk County: What Homeowners Should Know" description: Learn what Suffolk County homeowners should know about West Nile virus, how it spreads, and simple ways to reduce mosquito activity around your home. image: https://empestcontrol.com/hubfs/_(1920%20x%20600%20px)%20(1200%20x%20675%20px)%20(600%20x%20400%20px)%20(1920%20x%20600%20px)%20(1920%20x%20900%20px)%20(1200%20x%20675%20px)%20(1).png --- [Skip to content](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/west-nile-virus-in-suffolk-county-what-homeowners-should-know#main-content) ## Proudly Serving Nassau County & Western Suffolk [![EM Pest Control Logo](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/new%20logo.png?width=86&height=60&name=new%20logo.png)](https://empestcontrol.com/) - Pest Control Show submenu for Pest Control - [Ant Control](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-control-ants) - [Bed Bug Control](https://empestcontrol.com/bedbug-exterminators) Show submenu for Bed Bug Control - [Active Guard Mattress Liner](https://empestcontrol.com/activeguard-bed-bug-liners) - [Rodent Control](https://empestcontrol.com/rodent-exterminators) - [Cockroach Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cockroach-exterminators) - [Termite Control](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-control) Show submenu for Termite Control - [Termite Inspection](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-inspection) - [Trelona Bait Stations](https://empestcontrol.com/trelona-termite-bait-stations) - [Cricket Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cricket-pest-control) - [Mosquito Control](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) - [Wasp Control](https://empestcontrol.com/wasp-control-service) - [Carpenter Bee Control](https://empestcontrol.com/carpenter-bee-control) - [View All](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-library) - Property Services Show submenu for Property Services - [Residential Services](https://empestcontrol.com/home-pest-control) - [Commercial Services](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial-pest-control) - Where We Service Show submenu for Where We Service - [Nassau County, NY](https://empestcontrol.com/nassau-county-pest-control) - [Western Suffolk County](https://empestcontrol.com/suffolk-county-pest-control) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [About E.M](https://empestcontrol.com/about-us) - [Our Blog](https://empestcontrol.com/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Pest Control Show submenu for Pest Control - [Ant Control](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-control-ants) - [Bed Bug Control](https://empestcontrol.com/bedbug-exterminators) Show submenu for Bed Bug Control - [Active Guard Mattress Liner](https://empestcontrol.com/activeguard-bed-bug-liners) - [Rodent Control](https://empestcontrol.com/rodent-exterminators) - [Cockroach Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cockroach-exterminators) - [Termite Control](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-control) Show submenu for Termite Control - [Termite Inspection](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-inspection) - [Trelona Bait Stations](https://empestcontrol.com/trelona-termite-bait-stations) - [Cricket Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cricket-pest-control) - [Mosquito Control](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) - [Wasp Control](https://empestcontrol.com/wasp-control-service) - [Carpenter Bee Control](https://empestcontrol.com/carpenter-bee-control) - [View All](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-library) - Property Services Show submenu for Property Services - [Residential Services](https://empestcontrol.com/home-pest-control) - [Commercial Services](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial-pest-control) - Where We Service Show submenu for Where We Service - [Nassau County, NY](https://empestcontrol.com/nassau-county-pest-control) - [Western Suffolk County](https://empestcontrol.com/suffolk-county-pest-control) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [About E.M](https://empestcontrol.com/about-us) - [Our Blog](https://empestcontrol.com/blog) - [Get A Free Quote](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) [Get A Free Quote](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) Serving Nassau County & Western Suffolk [info@empestcontrol.com](mailto:info@empestcontrol.com) [Text 516-491-2768](sms:+15164912768) [Call 516-455-6742](tel:5164556742) [![EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/new%20logo.png?width=86&height=60&name=new%20logo.png)](https://empestcontrol.com/) - Pest Control - [Ant Control](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-control-ants) - [Bed Bug Control](https://empestcontrol.com/bedbug-exterminators) - [ActiveGuard Mattress Liner](https://empestcontrol.com/activeguard-bed-bug-liners) - [Rodent Control](https://empestcontrol.com/rodent-exterminators) - [Cockroach Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cockroach-exterminators) - [Termite Control](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-control) - [Termite Inspection](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-inspection) - [Trelona Bait Stations](https://empestcontrol.com/trelona-termite-bait-stations) - [Cricket Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cricket-pest-control) - [Mosquito Control](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) - [In2Care Mosquito Station](https://empestcontrol.com/in2care-mosquito-station) - [Wasp Control](https://empestcontrol.com/wasp-control-service) - [Carpenter Bee Control](https://empestcontrol.com/carpenter-bee-control) - [View All](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-library) - Property Services - [Residential Services](https://empestcontrol.com/home-pest-control) - [Commercial Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial-pest-control) - [Hotel & Hospitality Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/hospitality-pest-control) - [Restaurant & Commercial Kitchen Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/restaurant-pest-control) - [Multifamily Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/multifamily-pest-control) - Service Areas - [Nassau County](https://empestcontrol.com/nassau-county-pest-control) - [Western Suffolk](https://empestcontrol.com/suffolk-county-pest-control) - [Blog](https://empestcontrol.com/blog) - [Reviews](https://empestcontrol.com/customer-reviews) - [About Us](https://empestcontrol.com/about-us) [Get a Free Quote](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) [![EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/new%20logo.png?width=86&height=60&name=new%20logo.png)](https://empestcontrol.com/) - Pest Control - [Ant Control](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-control-ants) - Bed Bug Control - [Bed Bug Control](https://empestcontrol.com/bedbug-exterminators) - [ActiveGuard Mattress Liner](https://empestcontrol.com/activeguard-bed-bug-liners) - [Rodent Control](https://empestcontrol.com/rodent-exterminators) - [Cockroach Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cockroach-exterminators) - Termite Control - [Termite Control](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-control) - [Termite Inspection](https://empestcontrol.com/termite-inspection) - [Trelona Bait Stations](https://empestcontrol.com/trelona-termite-bait-stations) - [Cricket Control](https://empestcontrol.com/cricket-pest-control) - Mosquito Control - [Mosquito Control](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) - [In2Care Mosquito Station](https://empestcontrol.com/in2care-mosquito-station) - [Wasp Control](https://empestcontrol.com/wasp-control-service) - [Carpenter Bee Control](https://empestcontrol.com/carpenter-bee-control) - [View All](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-library) - Property Services - [Residential Services](https://empestcontrol.com/home-pest-control) - Commercial Pest Control - [Commercial Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial-pest-control) - [Hotel & Hospitality Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/hospitality-pest-control) - [Restaurant Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/restaurant-pest-control) - [Multifamily Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial/multifamily-pest-control) - Service Areas - [Nassau County](https://empestcontrol.com/nassau-county-pest-control) - [Western Suffolk](https://empestcontrol.com/suffolk-county-pest-control) - [Blog](https://empestcontrol.com/blog) - [Reviews](https://empestcontrol.com/customer-reviews) - [About Us](https://empestcontrol.com/about-us) [Get a Free Quote](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) [Call 516-455-6742](tel:5164556742) [Text 516-491-2768](sms:+15164912768) [info@empestcontrol.com](mailto:info@empestcontrol.com) 7/7/26, 11:26 AM # West Nile Virus in Suffolk County: What Homeowners Should Know [EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/author/em-pest-control) Share On: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://empestcontrol.com/blog/west-nile-virus-in-suffolk-county-what-homeowners-should-know) [Share this page on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://empestcontrol.com/blog/west-nile-virus-in-suffolk-county-what-homeowners-should-know) [Share this page on Facebook](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://empestcontrol.com/blog/west-nile-virus-in-suffolk-county-what-homeowners-should-know) As mosquito season gets underway on Long Island, many [Suffolk County homeowners](https://empestcontrol.com/suffolk-county-pest-control) have questions after hearing about West Nile virus in the news. While the discovery of West Nile virus in local mosquito populations is something health officials monitor every year, it's important to remember that awareness—not fear—is the goal. Understanding how West Nile virus spreads, knowing how to reduce mosquito activity around your property, and taking a few simple preventive steps can help you and your family enjoy your outdoor spaces with greater peace of mind this summer. ![Mosquito feeding on human skin during mosquito season in Suffolk County, New York.](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/West%20Nile%20Virus%20in%20Suffolk%20County%2c%20New%20York.png?width=1920&height=900&name=West%20Nile%20Virus%20in%20Suffolk%20County%2c%20New%20York.png) ## Has West Nile Virus Been Found in Suffolk County? Yes. According to the [**Suffolk County Department of Health Services**](https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Public-Health/Preventive-Services/Arthropod-borne-Diseases/Mosquitoes), West Nile virus was recently found in a mosquito sample collected during the county's routine mosquito surveillance program. This testing is done every mosquito season to monitor mosquito activity, track mosquito-borne diseases, and keep residents informed. A positive mosquito sample does **not** mean every mosquito has West Nile virus. It also does not mean homeowners should panic. It simply means mosquito season is active, and it is a good time to take simple steps around your home, such as removing standing water and protecting yourself from mosquito bites. ## How Does West Nile Virus Spread? West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Understanding how the virus spreads can help Suffolk County homeowners focus on what really matters and avoid common misconceptions. ### It Starts With Birds Birds are the natural hosts of West Nile virus. When a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it can pick up the virus. Most birds do not appear sick, which is why health officials monitor mosquito populations throughout mosquito season. ### Then Mosquitoes Can Spread the Virus After becoming infected, a mosquito can spread West Nile virus to people and some animals through its bite. Not every mosquito carries the virus, but reducing mosquito bites and lowering mosquito activity around your property can help reduce your risk. ### How It Does **Not** Spread The good news is that West Nile virus does **not** spread through everyday contact. You cannot get it by shaking hands, hugging someone, coughing, or sharing food or drinks. For homeowners, the best way to lower your risk is to [reduce mosquito activity](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) and eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed around your property.  ## What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus? Many people who are infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. In fact, most people don't even realize they've been infected. However, some people may become sick, so it's helpful to know what to watch for. ### Most People Don't Feel Sick According to the [**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)**](https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/), most people who become infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Their immune system fights off the virus without them ever knowing they were infected. ### Mild Symptoms Can Occur Some people may develop mild symptoms a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These can include: - Fever - Headache - Body aches - Tiredness - Skin rash - Swollen lymph nodes Most people with mild symptoms recover on their own. ### Severe Illness Is Less Common In a small number of cases, West Nile virus can cause more serious illness, especially in adults over 60 and people with weakened immune systems. If you or someone you know develops severe symptoms after a mosquito bite, it's important to contact a healthcare provider promptly. ## How Suffolk County Homeowners Can Help Reduce Mosquitoes You can't eliminate every mosquito in your neighborhood, but you can make your property much less attractive to them. A few simple habits can go a long way during mosquito season. - Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, toys, tarps, and other containers. - Change the water in bird baths regularly. - Keep gutters clean so water doesn't collect. - Trim overgrown shrubs and mow tall grass where mosquitoes like to rest. - Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors. - Repair damaged window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside. ## **When Professional Mosquito Control Can Help** Finding West Nile virus in a mosquito sample is a reminder that mosquito season is active, not a reason to stay indoors. By reducing standing water, maintaining your property, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites, you can make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes throughout the summer. Sometimes, even well-maintained properties still have mosquito problems, especially near wooded areas, ponds, wetlands, dense landscaping, or neighboring properties with standing water. If mosquitoes are keeping you from enjoying your backyard, [our mosquito exterminators](https://empestcontrol.com/mosquito-services) at EM Pest Control can inspect your property, identify areas where mosquitoes may be resting or breeding, and recommend a mosquito treatment plan based on your home's conditions. [Call: (516) 455-6742](tel:5164556742) KNOW MORE [Text: (516) 491-2768](tel:5164912768) KNOW MORE [EM Pest Control tips](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/em-pest-control-tips), [mosquito prevention](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/mosquito-prevention), [health & safety](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/health-safety), [mosquito control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/mosquito-control), [Long Island](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/long-island), [Suffolk County](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/suffolk-county) ## Related posts [![](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Long%20Island%20House%20During%20the%20Warm%20Fall%20Season.webp?height=200&name=Long%20Island%20House%20During%20the%20Warm%20Fall%20Season.webp)](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/what-could-el-ni%C3%B1o-mean-for-pest-activity-on-long-island) [mosquitoes](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/mosquitoes), [rodents](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/rodents), [pest prevention](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/pest-prevention), [Long Island Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/long-island-pest-control), [Seasonal Pest Activity](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/seasonal-pest-activity) ## [What Could El Niño Mean for Pest Activity on Long Island?](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/what-could-el-ni%C3%B1o-mean-for-pest-activity-on-long-island) [EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/author/em-pest-control) 9/22/26, 12:00 PM Jump to a Section Why Does El Niño Matter for Pest Activity? Could Warmer Fall Weather Keep Pests... [Read more](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/what-could-el-ni%C3%B1o-mean-for-pest-activity-on-long-island) [![mosquito control in nassau county, ny](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fosocial.png?height=200&name=fosocial.png)](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/why-homeowners-should-start-mosquito-control-early) [mosquitoes](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/mosquitoes), [EM Pest Control tips](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/em-pest-control-tips), [For Homeowners](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/for-homeowners) ## [Why Homeowners Should Start Mosquito Control Early](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/why-homeowners-should-start-mosquito-control-early) [EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/author/em-pest-control) 4/14/25, 11:30 AM As the weather begins to warm up in Nassau County, many homeowners eagerly anticipate enjoying... [Read more](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/why-homeowners-should-start-mosquito-control-early) [![a mosquito on a wet leaf, highlighting a pest problem](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mos%20pre%20(1200%20x%20628%20px)%20(1).png?height=200&name=mos%20pre%20(1200%20x%20628%20px)%20(1).png)](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mosquitoes) [DIY](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/diy), [mosquito prevention](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/mosquito-prevention), [EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/tag/em-pest-control) ## [How to Protect Your Home from Mosquitoes in Great Neck, NY](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mosquitoes) [EM Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/author/em-pest-control) 8/8/24, 1:23 PM For homeowners in Great Neck and throughout Long Island, the arrival of spring is a welcome event,... [Read more](https://empestcontrol.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mosquitoes) [![EM Pest Control Logo](https://empestcontrol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/new%20logo.png?width=86&height=60&name=new%20logo.png "EM Pest Control Logo")](https://empestcontrol.com) **Uniondale, NY** [516-455-6742](tel:5164556742) [516-491-2768](tel:5164912768) [Info@empestcontrol.com](mailto:info@empestcontrol.com) ## **Hours of Operation** Hours M-F: 8:00am - 6:00pm Sat: 8:00am - 3:00pm Sun: Closed [![Text](https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/ffffff/speech-bubble--v1.png) Text](sms:+15164912768) [![Call](https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/ffffff/phone.png) Call Now](tel:+15164556742) [![Quote](https://img.icons8.com/ios-filled/50/ffffff/form.png) Free Quote](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) ## Links [About Us](https://empestcontrol.com/about-us) [Residential Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/home-pest-control) [Commercial Pest Control](https://empestcontrol.com/commercial-pest-control) [Pest Services](https://empestcontrol.com/pest-library) [Blog](https://empestcontrol.com/blog) [Where We Service](https://empestcontrol.com/where-we-service) [Contact Us](https://empestcontrol.com/contact-us) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/EMPestControlNY/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/empestcontrolinc/) [Follow us on X (Twiiter)](https://x.com/empestcontrol14) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.google.com/search?q=em+pest+control&sca_esv=f517df8b24517ced&sxsrf=AE3TifPZ6UoI7b9Hf1aJ9xQcS-tuyV324g%3A1763152832953&source=hp&ei=wJMXaaPMN46Ep84P786AoA8&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaReh0K_Vg373CG2rmjCBUWxXalFqeD8A&oq=em+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgNlbSAqAggAMgoQABiABBhDGIoFMgoQABiABBhDGIoFMgsQABiABBixAxiDATIREC4YgAQYkQIYxwEYigUYrwEyEBAuGIAEGEMYxwEYigUYrwEyCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBMg4QLhiABBjHARiOBRivATIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABEiMHlAAWP4RcAB4AJABAJgBmQGgAfQCqgEDMC4zuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIDoAKFA8ICChAjGIAEGCcYigXCAgsQABiABBiRAhiKBcICERAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGIMBGMcBwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAgQQABgDwgILEC4YgAQYsQMYgwHCAhAQLhiABBjRAxhDGMcBGIoFwgIREC4YgAQYsQMYxwEYjgUYrwGYAwCSBwMwLjOgB-QnsgcDMC4zuAeFA8IHBzAuMi4wLjHIBww&sclient=gws-wiz) © 2026 EM Pest Control. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://empestcontrol.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "EM Pest Control", "url" : "https://empestcontrol.com/blog/author/em-pest-control" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-07T15:26:18.164Z", "datePublished" : "2026-07-07T15:26:08.000Z", "headline" : "West Nile Virus in Suffolk County: What Homeowners Should Know", "image" : [ "https://empestcontrol.com/hubfs/_(1920%20x%20600%20px)%20(1200%20x%20675%20px)%20(600%20x%20400%20px)%20(1920%20x%20600%20px)%20(1920%20x%20900%20px)%20(1200%20x%20675%20px)%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://empestcontrol.com/blog/west-nile-virus-in-suffolk-county-what-homeowners-should-know", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://empestcontrol.com/hubfs/new%20logo.png" }, "name" : "E M Pest Control Inc" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://empestcontrol.com/#localbusiness", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Uniondale", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "11553" }, "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Nassau County" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Suffolk County" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Uniondale" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Hempstead" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Hicksville" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Roosevelt" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Westbury" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Massapequa" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Great Neck" } ], "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-516-455-6742" }, { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-516-491-2768" } ], "description" : "EM Pest Control provides residential and commercial pest control services across Nassau County and Western Suffolk County, NY.", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 40.7004, "longitude" : -73.5929 }, "image" : "https://24346741.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24346741/EM%20Pest%20Control%20Service%20Truck.webp", "logo" : "https://24346741.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24346741/new%20logo.png", "name" : "EM Pest Control Inc", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "18:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "08:00" }, { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "15:00", "dayOfWeek" : "Saturday", "opens" : "08:00" } ], "priceRange" : "$$", "sameAs" : [ "https://maps.app.goo.gl/7oofBFXJMcQxjnLP9", "https://www.yelp.com/biz/em-pest-control-uniondale-3", "https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/uniondale/profile/pest-control/em-pest-control-inc-0121-162929", "https://x.com/empestcontrol14", "https://www.facebook.com/EMPestControlNY", "https://www.instagram.com/empestcontrolinc" ], "telephone" : "+1-516-455-6742", "url" : "https://empestcontrol.com/" } ```