Summer may be over, but the mosquitoes of Brevard County obviously haven’t received the message. The pesky fliers are still buzzing around, annoying and biting practically everyone they come into contact with. Here’s how you can keep yourself from becoming a mosquito’s next meal and why you still need to be taking preventative action, even with autumn just a few weeks away.
Mosquitoes Pose a Health Threat
Sure, the red and itchy bump left behind after a mosquito bites you is irritating enough, but there’s also the risk of developing some of the serious health problems associated with mosquito bites. Chances are you’ve heard of West Nile Virus, which is the most serious virus transmitted by mosquitoes. If you’re bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile, you are at risk of contracting the virus yourself. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sore throat and swollen glands. There is no treatment for West Nile, and the virus has proven fatal in a number of cases.
More recently, a new mosquito-borne virus was detected, and in July 2014, Florida became the first state to experience the outbreak. The virus, called chikungunya, can result in severe headaches and joint pain, fever, rash, and muscle pain. While it is not usually fatal, it is extremely painful for anyone infected. Like West Nile Virus, there is no treatment or vaccine.
Preventative Measures
Taking preventative measure is the best way to ensure that you don’t become a mosquito snack, dealing with itchy bites, or worse, potentially life-threatening viruses. One way to keep mosquitoes away from you is to use insect repellant when you go outside, particularly those sprays that contain DEET. DEET is well known mosquito deterrent and is highly effective at keeping the bugs away. However, if you’re uncomfortable using products with DEET, you can also try natural repellants that contain essential oils, like eucalyptus or lemon, which mosquitoes also find unsavory. Long sleeves and pants can also help protect you from mosquito bites, as can avoiding areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed. If you do have standing water around your home or yard, such as clogged drains or full kiddie pools, take steps to drain the water or cover it so the mosquitoes can’t access it.
If you’re still concerned about mosquitoes around your property, you can also contact a pest management specialist to find out what your options are regarding this pesky insect. While mosquitoes can’t be treated like other infestations, a professional can spray around your home and yard to provide short-term relief from the bugs. The best step you can take, however, is to take the preventative measures described above and apply them to your daily activities.