ARLINGTON, Va. -- Health experts and insect abatement teams said foreclosed homes across the area pose a health risk because they provide mosquito breeding grounds.

Foreclosed homes with swimming pools and unkempt property make it difficult to keep the mosquito population in check, according to health officials.

Neighbor Bruce Johnson said foreclosed properties are a big concern for him because of his small children.

Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington County health director, said residents need to be on the lookout for places where mosquitoes could breed.

"Whether it's a foreclosed property or non-foreclosed property, we need people to check for eliminating standing water," he said.

In recent days Arlington County, Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria have all detected West Nile Virus.

Public health officials in Arlington County said that mosquito batches captured at Interstate 66 and North Fairfax Drive tested positive for West Nile virus.

"This is the first batch to test positive in Arlington this year," said Dr. Aftab "Shaw" Hussain, of the Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau. "Finding infected mosquitoes is a concern because these mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans as well as birds and other animals. This is a reminder to residents that West Nile virus is active in our community and now is the time to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around your home and protect against mosquito-borne illness."

Workers are getting rid of mosquito larvae in the area where the positive mosquitoes were found.

"Everyone should remove standing water on their properties and prevent mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and using an approved insect repellent when outdoors, especially during evening and early-morning hours," said Arlington County Public Health Director Reuben Varghese.

The county offered the following tips for protection from mosquitoes:

• Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using effective repellents like DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Door and window screens should be intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Dawn and dusk are times to avoid being outside.
• Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Drain all sources of standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.