What Is Chikungunya?

What Do You Need To Know About Chikungunya, the mosquito-borne virus?

By: Kate King
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As many of you have been seeing or hearing in the news recently, the mosquito-borne virus, Chikungunya is being reported in the United States. The symptoms of Chikungunya are very similar to those of the flu: fever, joint pain, muscles aches, joint swelling, and possible rash. The symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last for about a week. However, the joint pain may continue for a longer period of time. The best thing for you to do if you are experiencing these symptoms is to get plenty of rest, keep hydrated, and take a pain reliever/fever reducer. You should also notify your doctor.

Let me first say that many of the cases reported are from people traveling in areas where the virus is found naturally. To date, there are no documented cases originating from within the United States, according to the CDC. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are found throughout the United States, so there is the potential for the virus to become established here.

There are a few things that you can do to help limit the possibility of being bitten by a mosquito and reduce the risk of chikungunya:

  • Prevent standing water
  • Dump water at least once a week to prevent mosquito larvae from becoming adults
  • Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and close toe shoes
  • Use a protective spray that will repel the mosquitoes
  • Be cautious when standing in shaded areas – the mosquitoes that carry the virus are known for biting during the day, not during dawn and dusk as many other mosquitoes are
  • Hire a professional mosquito control company

If you are experiencing an issue with mosquitoes on your property, or you would like to try and prevent any kind of issues, contact your local Pest Control Company.

The 411 on BedBugs

Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite: The 411 on BedBugs

It’s not just a nursery rhyme anymore, it’s a way of life.  Bedbugs are a real concern for people, especially those that travel, but those that stay close to home aren’t exempt from the threat of bedbugs.  Luckily, bedbugs are more of a nuisance than a health hazard.  Although not a health risk, it is imperative that you call a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation.

What Do Bedbugs Look Like?

Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects with 6 legs.  Like mosquitoes, bedbugs feed on the blood of animals and humans.  They are brown in color and turn a reddish brown after a feeding.  Read more on how to ID a bedbug HERE.

Where Do Bedbugs Come From?

Bedbugs are great hitchhikers.  They can catch a ride on luggage, purses, clothing, pets, boxes, and other belongings that are taken from place to place.  That is why bedbugs are often found in hotels, apartments, dorm rooms, places where people often come and go.  Bedbugs are a world-wide issue.  At one time, they were most common in developing countries but due to increased international travel, they are an issue in the US and other developed countries.

What Do Bedbugs Eat?

As stated earlier, bed bugs feed on blood from humans and animals.  They typically feed at night.  After they feed, they become engorged and fall off of their host.  It only takes them about 3 minutes to complete their meal.  They can go weeks without feeding.

What Does a Bedbug Bite Feel Like?

Bedbugs inject a numbing agent in the body when feeding.  In most cases, you won’t know if you are being bitten by a bedbug.

What Does a Bedbug Bite Look Like?

Bedbugs bites are itchy, red bumps, usually left in a straight line, on the skin.  Bites are usually found on the upper body.

How to Treat A Bedbug Infestation?

It’s simple.  Hire a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation.  They can be very difficult to treat.  In the mean time, inspect all mattresses and bedding, especially when traveling.  Avoid putting your luggage on the floor or bed, instead use a luggage rack.  When returning home, wash and dry clothing on the highest heat level.  Make sure to check the cracks and crevices of any luggage before storing.

 

Protect Yourself From Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Disease

Northwest Exterminating offers tick bite prevention advice for the summer season

As people venture outside to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather we want to encourage increased public awareness of ticks and their numerous health risks.

Certain species of ticks are capable of transmitting serious diseases to humans when they bite, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We encourage people to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from tick bites when outdoors this summer and decrease the chances of contracting one of these tick-borne illnesses.

Below are some tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests.

Most effective ways to prevent a tick encounter, and tick bite, include:

  • Landscape your yard. Keep grass cut low and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Ticks are found in high grass, and yards with shrubbery.
  • Protect your skin. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded areas or tall grasses. Choose light colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks and other insects.
  • Use an effective bug repellant. Always apply an insect repellant containing at least 20% DEET to protect against ticks when spending time outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.
  • Regularly check for ticks. Most ticks require 24-48 hours of feeding before they can successfully transmit infections, so it’s crucial to perform a thorough tick check immediately after spending time outdoors. Be sure to check all areas of the body, including the hair.
  • Don’t forget about pets. Check pets frequently for ticks, especially after the animal has been outside. Consult with a veterinarian about prevention and treatment options available to pets and wash pet bedding and toys frequently.
  • Brush up on proper removal techniques. (Read our post “How to Remove a Tick“) Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick, using a slow, steady pulling motion. Wash hands and the bite site thoroughly with soap and water, and flush the tick down a toilet or wrap it in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle.
  • Contact a professional pest professional. Anyone suspecting a tick bite or experiencing symptoms, including a skin rash, joint pain or fever, should seek prompt medical attention. If ticks are a problem on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and implement a treatment plan to reduce tick populations.

 For more information on ticks, please visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/ticks/.

Source: NPMA

How to Treat A Mosquito Bite

How to Treat A Mosquito Bite

How to Treat a Mosquito Bite

If you spend any time outside, especially in the Southern states, there is a good chance you will get a mosquito bite.  The female mosquito (males don’t bite) feed on blood.  Once they bite they cause a minor allergic reaction.  You will most often see the skin raise and turn red.  The itch comes from the allergic reaction to the saliva, an anticoagulant, that the mosquito injects while sucking your blood.

So how can you treat a mosquito bite?

  1. Wash the affected area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to remove any excess saliva that is still on the skin.
  2. Apply ice to the bite as soon as you become aware that you’ve been bitten.  Ice will help alleviate pain and swelling.
  3. Apply an anti-itch medication to the area of the bite. You can also try home remedies such as applying toothpaste, baking soda, mouth wash, or Epsom salt.
  4. Although it can be difficult, avoid scratching.  Scratching will only further aggravate the itch and prolong healing.

How to avoid getting bit by a mosquito:

  1. Have your property treated by a licensed mosquito control company.
  2. Apply an insect repellent to deter mosquitoes.
  3. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed toed shoes when possible.
  4. Read our blog 10 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Mosquito Season is Here – Take Precautions

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites When Outdoors this Summer

Warmer weather is finally here and we know our residents are no doubt spending more time outdoors. However, with increased outdoor activity, the public is at risk of becoming a meal for summer’s most dangerous and pesky pest – the mosquito. That’s why we are urging the public to  take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families.

Mosquitoes are emerging early across the country due to recent rainfall and an increase in temperatures. With the threat of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, it’s important for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites when spending time outdoors in the coming months.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers the following tips to avoid becoming a mosquito meal:

  • Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes need only about a ½ inch of water to breed.
  • Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
  • Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.If you must be outside during those times, consider staying inside a screened-in porch or dressing in clothing that leaves very little exposed skin.
  • Avoid wearing dark colors, loose-fitting garments, and open-toe shoes.
  • Always use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors or traveling, especially in areas known to have increased mosquito populations.

For more information on mosquitoes and other summer pests, please visit www.callnorthwest.com.

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