To keep you safe, this week is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week in Virginia.

The Virginia Mosquito Control Association wants to remind people that mosquitoes are not only annoying to humans, but they also carry harmful diseases that can kill animals.

According to the Mosquito Control Association, the bugs can cause heart-worms in dogs and deadly diseases in horses. One way to avoid it is to eliminate standing water around your home. It is a prime egg laying area for mosquitoes.

"Be aware of mosquito breeding areas around your home, and the threat that can be to your family or your pets,” said Caleb Stitley of Virginia Mosquito Control. “Horses are a big threat to Western equine encephalitis, and that's almost 100-percent fatal, so that's something that we just want people to be aware of."

Here are a few easy tips to help get rid of those bothersome pests:

The American Mosquito Control Association recommends following the three Ds.

Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week.
Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants and loose fitting clothing.
Defend: Properly use an approved bug repellent.

 Follow Amelia Nahmias on Facebook.

© Copyright 2013 WHSV / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.