How to tackle West Nile virus mosquitoes.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Everyone is glad that summer is here. However, warm weather means more mosquitoes and a higher risk of West Nile virus infection.
Residents are encouraged by the DeKalb County Health Department to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to get rid of any possible source that might be ideal for the disease-carrying insects to breed.
Standing water is the most dangerous place where West Nile virus mosquitoes might be. Health Department officials are monitoring their activity by setting traps in the area.
Plus, residents are advised to follow an important set of rules so that they will prevent mosquitoes from biting them. While you are outside, clothing is the most valuable asset. More precisely, light-colored clothing will reduce the risk of getting bitten.
But when you are indoors, you have to make sure that window screens and doors fit perfectly and that every hole is repaired. This way, mosquitoes will not be able to break into the house. Another important measure of precaution is the use of a good repellent which includes IR 3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, picaridin, and DEET.
However, experts advise people to follow the instructions on the labels and ask their doctor before thinking of using the repellent on children. Many people have their own gardens, so they need to know their best options for preventing mosquitoes from breeding.
First of all, you need to change the water in plant urns and bird baths at least once a week. Plus, people must look out of hollow stumps and tree rot holes that usually hold water and fill them in with something else. This way, they won’t be filled with standing water.
Furthermore, plastic wading pools must be emptied weekly and stored indoors when you do not use it to prevent mosquitoes from coming close to it. It is also worth mentioning that trash containers must be covered at all times.
In addition to this, people have to discard any water-holding containers, drums, buckets and old tires because they are like a magnet for the disease-carrying insects. Last but not least, check your downspouts and gutters to be sure that they are always clear of debris.
The symptoms of the West Nile virus hardly manifest as many people realize they are sick only after three up to 15 days if one of the mosquitoes bit them. Symptoms in older people might lead to paralysis, convulsions, stupor, stiff neck, encephalitis, muscle weakness, coma and even death.
Image Source:CBS News