Sen. Patty Ritchie secured $175,000 in funding to help protect residents in St. Lawrence County and across the state from Eastern Equine Encephalitis — a mosquito borne illness commonly known as “EEE.”

The funding came following the discovery of EEEin Oswego County. Funds secured by Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, in the most recent state budget will help make possible a number of mosquito eradication and EEE prevention efforts in impacted Northern and Central New York counties.

Ritchie represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.

“Across Central New York, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects of EEE and the recent discovery of EEE in Constantia is a reminder that we cannot let down our guard when it comes to protecting ourselves from the disease,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. “I am pleased to deliver this funding, which will help us to continue our work to “Fight the Bite,” protect public health and save lives.”

Since 2012, Senator Ritchie has delivered $1 million in funding to help combat the spread of EEE in our region. She has also hosted numerous “Tire Take Back” events across Oswego County, offering a chance for residents to dispose of waste tires — which act as breeding ground for mosquitoes — at no cost, resulting in the collection of more than 80,000 waste tires from roadsides and yards. In addition, the funding has help with various mosquito control efforts, like distribution of insect repellants and information material to raise awareness of the dangers associated with EEE.

In addition, earlier this year she partnered with area school officials to share informational brochures on ways to combat the spread of EEE with students and their families.

As summer continues, Senator Ritchie is reminding area residents to follow the below tips to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Remember to always follow all directions and precautions on the product label;

• Wear long-sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so spraying repellent on clothes can help;

• -Be aware of peak mosquito hours. Dusk to dawn are peak biting hours, but some mosquitoes bite all day.Consider staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active;

• Fix your screens. Mosquitoes can enter your home through rips and tears in screens and open windows; and

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, in flowerpots, buckets, bird baths, clogged gutters and yard debris.