The Memorial Day weekend is upon us, our first real opportunity of the season for spending time outdoors watching the parade, barbecuing with family and friends and otherwise enjoying what is a three-day weekend for most.

It’s also our first real opportunity to be bitten by mosquitoes.

The Mississippi State Health Department has reported at least three cases of Zika virus among Mississippi residents, all of whom had traveled to Haiti. The mosquito that carries the Zika virus — Aedes aegypt — has not been detected in Mississippi since the mid-1980s, the state health department reports. However, we all know mosquitoes carry other diseases, like West Nile virus.

A few precautions can easily protect you and your family members.

Mosquito Squad, a company that specializes in mosquito and tick control, made these recommendations for preparing your yard and yourself for outdoor activity this season:

• Tip over anything that holds water. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders, the Mosquito Squad reports.

• Turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children’s portable sandboxes, slides and plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, plant saucers, empty post, light fixtures, dog water bowls. Eliminate these items or keep them turned over.

• Toss any yard trash including clippings, leaves and twigs. Even the smallest items can provide a haven for mosquitoes to breed and increase the population.

Consider treating your home with a professional mosquito elimination barrier. And, make certain you and your family members — and pets — are protected with appropriate insect repellant.

Spending time in the outdoors is the best part of spring and summer. Make sure to take every precaution to make it time safely spent.