Follow these tips and you and your family will be better protected against disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes a day
Here's How:
- Keep your gutters clean and free of debris and water. The Culex mosquito (known for carrying the West Nile virus) is attracted to moist decaying leaves.
- Empty all containers including container lids, dog bowls, plant dishes, or anything that holds even small amounts of water. Get in the habit of turning any container that can hold water upside down or tilt it so the water drains off.
- Stay inside during the peak mosquito time which is at dusk and in the evening hours. If you do go out wear a repellant that protects you for the time you will be out.
- Wear loose fitting and light colored clothing that covers your skin. Any clothing that is tight(such as lycra bike shorts)can be bitten through by mosquitoes. If you will be wearing tight clothing apply a fabric repellant spray to the clothing and skin repellant spray to your exposed skin.
- Do not wear perfume, hairsprays, aftershave or other aromatic type products when spending time outside. It will attract mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Keep your screens on your windows well maintained and avoid leaving your doors opened. The Culex mosquito is attracted to the indoors. If you see any mosquitoe inside go ahead and kill it!
- If you find a dead bird or animal in your yard do not touch it. Use a long handled shovel, gloves and a layered plastic bag to put the animal in then contact your local authorities. They may want to test the animal to determine its cause of death. Quick removal of any dead animal or bird is very important.
- Purchase mosquito netting and place it over infant carriers, baby carriages and playpens when outdoors.
- Clean and chlorinate pools, saunas and outside hot tubs.
Tips:
- DEET is an ingredient used in many repellants to lesson the occurrence of mosquito bites. Knowing what percentage is in the product will help you determine which one to buy.
- 23.8% DEET - 5 hours protection
- 20% DEET - Four hours protection
- 6.65% DEET - Two hours of protection
- 4.75% DEET - One and a half hours of protection
- 23.8% DEET - 5 hours protection
