If someone were to ask you, "Do you believe West Nile virus is a serious threat?" What would you say? Probably, yes. Right? Especially, if you know anything about it. Most of us have heard the horror stories. This is a virus that can cause death. And, we can all agree, death is pretty serious. But do we really understand what this means? Have we really stopped to consider how we would continue living our lives if someone we cared about was killed by a mosquito? The goal of this article isn't to scare you. It is to wake you up if you're sleeping. West Nile virus doesn't just kill, it has sent many to the hospital and left some crippled for life. We don't want you or a family member to be part of this growing statistic. Not when you can take measures to protect yourself.
Protecting yourself from West Nile virus begins with protecting yourself from the mosquitoes that carry it. Every step you or your family members take to reduce your chances of being bitten increases your odds of avoiding this terrible illness. Here are the things you need to know:
- There are more mosquitoes in the morning and at night. If you are outside during these times, you should be taking extra precaution.
- Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide. If you are exercising, pregnant or sleeping outside, you will attract more mosquitoes because you produce more carbon dioxide.
- Mosquitoes can see heat. If you are producing more heat, you will be drawing in more mosquitoes. This makes larger individuals, pregnant women, and athletes more susceptible to bites.
- Do you smell sweet? Those mosquitoes will take notice. Mosquitoes are drawn to some perfumes because this is an insect that also sucks nectar from flowers to gain energy.
- Some people are just more of a mosquito magnet than others, according to a study published in the Journal of Infection. It may just be in your chemical makeup.
- DEET is still the number one way to ward off bites. If you are averse to putting DEET on your skin, spray it on your clothes or use a natural alternative like oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Mosquitoes are horrible fliers. You'll get fewer bites if it is windy. If there is no wind on your back porch, consider setting up some fans to keep mosquitoes away.
- The less skin you're showing, the better. But, remember, mosquitoes can bite you through some articles of clothing.
- If you get bit every time you mow the grass, there is a reason. Your mowing efforts can wake those mosquitoes up in your lawn. Consider getting a body net to protect you from bites or have a professional do a treatment on your lawn to kill mosquito egg sacks.
- Mosquito abatement is still the number one protection against mosquitoes in the United States. It is why we have significantly fewer cases of West Nile and other dangerous mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquito control and abatement is a serious matter. Protect yourself and your loved ones with our Mosquito Guard and start enjoying your time outside with less mosquitoes!