The first day of summer has arrived, and with warm weather comes more outdoor activities and… pesky mosquitos. Each summer, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) recognizes “National Mosquito Control Week,” a week used to educate people about the significance mosquitoes play in our daily lives and the control measures that are available to manage the pest.
Mosquitoes can be a serious threat to public health by transmitting harmful and potentially deadly diseases. According to AMCA, over one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Some of these diseases include malaria, chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus (visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional information on these diseases). Many people are unaware that more deaths are connected to mosquitos than any other animal on the planet.
There are several ways to prevent or lessen your chance of contracting a mosquito-borne disease. Follow our tips all summer to keep your family and pets healthy in all of your outdoor fun:
- Drain all standing water
- Avoid activities during Dawn and Dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Dress appropriately in long sleeves and pants
- Defend yourself against mosquitoes with an EPA-approved repellent
- Doors and windows should be intact to prevent mosquitoes from coming in and out of your home
- Fill in or drain low places in your yard (e.g., puddles, ruts, hollow stumps), and keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed to eliminate harborage for mosquitoes and other potentially harmful pests.
- If you’re enjoying a ball game or outdoor activities, avoid damp grass which attracts mosquitoes and can put you in the midst of the pests. Always pack a chair to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
For more information on mosquito protection visit www.DebugtheMyths.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
