Warmer weather is finally here and everyone no doubt is spending more time outdoors. However, with increased outdoor activity, the public is at risk of becoming a meal for summer’s most dangerous and pesky pest – the mosquito.
Mosquito Season is Here – Public Urged to Take Precautions
The news has been covering Zika virus for months now. There’s been a debate as to whether or not the Midwest will be affected by this particular virus. However, what we do know is the particular species of mosquito that is known to carry this and other viruses is very much present in our region. Over the last several years, Lake County, Cook County and DuPage County in Illinois showed an increase in positive testing for West Nile Virus.
As such, Rose Pest Solutions, servicing Chicagoland north to Racine/Kenosha Wisconsin, south to Tinley Park, Illinois and west from Rockford to the Mississippi River, is urging the public to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families.
“Mosquitoes are emerging early across the country due to recent rainfall and an increase in temperatures,”
“With the threat of West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases, it’s important for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites when spending time outdoors in the coming months.”
What Is the Best Way to Control Mosquitos?
Effective mosquito control begins with awareness. It’s not safe to assume “it won’t happen to me” anymore. Every time you or your kids go outside this year, make sure you are protected with an EPA-approved personal repellant. This is especially important if you live in dense vegetation areas or near water. Always protect your self.
Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance. They’re a public health threat. In fact, they are the most deadly animal on the planet.
Prevention is Key
Mosquitoes are going to be here. There’s no avoiding that. They’re not strong flyers and don’t live very long, but while each and every one of them is on this Earth for that short time, they sure do a ton of damage to our well-being.
We offer seasonal mosquito control every month to help combat them throughout the warmer months. Our customers who have this service done year after year now swear by it. They tell us how nice it is to host backyard get togethers without their guests getting eaten alive. It also makes them feel much safer about letting the kids play in the yard too. While we can’t control the fact that mosquitoes exist, we CAN have some control over the environments in which we live.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers the following tips.
How to prevent mosquitoes and how to avoid becoming a mosquito meal
- Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes need only about a ½ inch of water to breed.
- Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
- Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. If you must be outside during those times, consider staying inside a screened-in porch or dressing in clothing that leaves very little exposed skin.
- Avoid wearing dark colors, loose-fitting garments, and open-toe shoes.
- Always use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors or traveling, especially in areas known to have increased mosquito populations.
- If you are concerned about mosquito activity in your area, contact a pest management company or your local mosquito abatement district.
