Aug 2, 2016 | Mosquito
The first cases of locally transmitted Zika virus were reported this week in Florida. On July 29th, 4 people infected with Zika virus in Miami reportedly were bitten by mosquitoes within the city. On August 1st, that number grew from 4 to 14 infected. Until now, all reported cases of Zika in the United States have been linked to those who recently travelled to countries with known Zika transmissions.
Due to the recent developments, the Centers for Disease Control are warning pregnant women and their partners to avoid traveling to Miami and surrounding areas. Zika virus is extremely dangerous to unborn babies, potentially causing a condition known as Microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brain function. Pregnant women and/or their partners that have recently travelled to the area (on or after June 15th) should be tested immediately for Zika virus and those living in and around Miami should exercise strict mosquito bite prevention and avoid unprotected sex.
As for the rest of the country, the risk of contracting Zika from mosquitoes isn’t an immediate threat since mosquitoes carrying Zika do not travel far (a mile or less in their lifetime). BUT, because symptoms of Zika often go unnoticed, those that have recently traveled to the area and may have Zika are likely to pass the virus on to sexual partners, OR could spread the virus to another mosquito if bitten. In turn, that mosquito could then transmit Zika to other people.
Because of its unpredictability, practicing mosquito bite prevention in any warm, humid climate (within the US and when traveling abroad) is key – especially for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant. Use an insect repellent with DEET when outdoors, keep arms and legs covered with light-colored, loose clothing, stay away from areas with stagnant, standing water, and consider a home mosquito control program by an exterminating company.
Mar 4, 2016 | Mosquito, Pest Control
Mosquito season in the south is here! Yes, we know what you’re thinking…so soon? We usually get one pleasant month of spring before mosquitoes start biting. But with the unpredictable, on-again, off-again warm weather we’ve had all winter, it’s really no surprise that mosquitoes are active earlier this year. So what does this mean for you and your family? Painful mosquito bites, allergic reactions, higher risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, and less time you’ll be enjoying outdoors.
Here are 10 ways you can prevent mosquito bites:
1. Stay Covered.
Yes, it’s hot and no, you probably don’t want to wear long-sleeves and pants. But, covering your arms and legs when outside, during peak mosquito season, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites.
2. Eliminate Standing Water
Check for areas of standing water around your home frequently and remove the sources of standing water, if possible. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water so the more standing water around on your property, the more mosquitoes you’ll encounter. Standing water is commonly found in bird baths, children’s toys, flower pots, rain gutters, buckets, and other containers.
3. Use Insect Repellant with DEET
The active ingredient DEET is proven to be effective at repelling mosquitoes and other biting insects and protecting against mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, West Nile, and Encephalitis. Use on exposed skin when outdoors and repeat, as needed, if you’re outside for several hours.
4. Window & Door Screens
You may be tempted to leave windows and doors open to take advantage of spring weather. If so, make sure all windows and doors have screens without holes or tears, to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside your home.
5. Limit Time Outside During Daylight Hours
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Avoid going outside during those times, if possible.
6. Limit Physical Activity Outdoors
Because mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid in sweat, outdoor workouts should be limited during mosquito season, especially if you have sensitivity or an allergy to mosquito bites. And if you do choose to workout outdoors, wear mosquito repellent with DEET and long-sleeves and pants to reduce the risk of being bitten.
7. Use Fans
Outdoor fans, on decks, patios, and around pools, are a great way to keep the mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so a powerful fan is a great mosquito deterrent for smaller areas.
8. Wear Light-colored Clothing
Mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to darker colors, so wearing lighter colors will reduce your chances of an attack.
9. Don’t Drink Beer
Sounds ridiculous right? But apparently mosquitoes are beer lovers too. While the exact reason for the attraction is unknown, some believe it’s related to an elevated body temperature when drinking alcohol and the amount of ethanol excreted when sweating.
10. Stay cool
Avoiding high body temperatures can be impossible in the south’s summer heat and humidity. But, mosquitoes are attracted to elevated body temperatures, making you more likely to be bitten. Do what you can do stay out of the heat and keep your body cool.
Sometimes you can do everything possible to prevent mosquito bites and still get bitten. Consider calling a professional mosquito control company that specializes in mosquito prevention. An effective mosquito control program targets mosquito larvae (breeding sites) and adult mosquitoes (resting areas), with eco-friendly mosquito treatment options that are family and pet-friendly. A mosquito exterminator will also identify problem areas and provide recommendations for ongoing mosquito prevention.
