Mosquito season is here, and that means it's the perfect time to brush up on how you can protect yourself. Mosquitoes are more than just annoying, they're also vectors for diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. You can help prevent these diseases by controlling mosquitoes in your area, using EPA registered repellents, and avoiding being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquito season isn't just about mosquitoes, but also about the diseases they carry.
Mosquito season isn't just about mosquitoes, but also about the diseases they carry.
With summer in full swing, it's important to remember that mosquito-borne illnesses are a serious threat and can be debilitating or even life threatening. Mosquitoes are more active during this time of year due to warmer temperatures, which makes them more likely to bite you if you're outside enjoying our great weather!
Mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus and malaria--all of which can affect humans as well as animals and plants. In addition to taking precautions against getting bitten by ticks or mosquitoes themselves (such as wearing insect repellent), here are some tips for preventing WNV:
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in the United States.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in the United States, with most cases occurring between late summer and early fall. The virus can be fatal and cause meningitis, encephalitis and other serious neurological problems.
In countries where mosquitoes are more prevalent than they are in North America (like Brazil), West Nile virus outbreaks occur every year between January and December. In these areas, people have developed immunity to it over time so they don't get sick from it anymore--but if a traveler from one of those countries visits you here in the States during summertime? Don't worry! They'll be immune too!
If you have a bite from a mosquito, wash it with soap and water.
If you have a bite from a mosquito, wash it with soap and water. This will kill any bacteria that might be present on your skin and help to prevent infection.
If you've been bitten by mosquitoes, remember to also wash your hands thoroughly after handling clothing or other items that may have been exposed to the insects' saliva. You should also wash any clothes that have come into contact with blood from bites--mosquitoes are known carriers of West Nile virus and other diseases! Do not scratch at the site of any bites because this can break open small cuts in your skin which could allow bacteria access inside your body; if this happens, seek medical attention immediately!
In addition to using soap as part of an immediate response strategy for reducing risk factors associated with mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus (WNV), there are some additional steps we recommend taking during periods where high concentrations exist:
Try to avoid being outside around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. This is when they are most likely to bite you and infect you with diseases like West Nile virus or Zika. Mosquitoes also prefer areas with standing water, so if you live near a pond or other body of water, it's best not to hang out there during mosquito season.
Mosquito season generally lasts from April through October in the United States; however, depending on where you live in the country (and even within cities), this may vary slightly based on temperature fluctuations throughout the year. If your climate has warm winters that allow mosquitoes to survive through winter months without freezing temperatures (like Florida), then your mosquito season could actually begin as early as December!
Use EPA registered repellents when outdoors for more than an hour.
Use EPA registered repellents when outdoors for more than an hour.
Apply repellent to your clothing, not skin.
If you're using a sunscreen and insect repellent together, apply the sunscreen first and then the insect repellent.
As an added precaution, consider using an insecticide product that contains permethrin on clothing or gear.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that acts as an insecticide. It can be used to treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants and tents. Permethrin-treated items will remain effective for up to six weeks after application. When applied correctly, permethrin-treated clothing has been shown to repel mosquitoes for up to 70 washings or 6 weeks of use (whichever comes first).
Permethrin products are available at sporting goods stores or online retailers such as Amazon; they may also be available at your local hardware store or grocery store if you look hard enough!
Everyone can help prevent disease by controlling mosquitoes in their area
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus that can make you sick. So, it's important to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property and spreading disease.
The best way to control mosquitoes is by preventing them from breeding in or around your home or business. This includes removing standing water where the eggs might hatch into larvae (those tiny white worms), as well as keeping trash containers tightly sealed so they don't become a food source for adult mosquitoes looking for something tasty to eat after biting someone who may be carrying one of these diseases!
Conclusion
The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you do go outside, use EPA-registered repellents and wear long sleeves and pants. If you're traveling in an area where there may be a risk of West Nile virus or other diseases spread by mosquitoes, talk with your doctor before traveling so they can decide if any vaccines or medications are right for you.
