Mosquitoes are not just little bugs that annoy us but also are the source of transmission of the world's most deadly diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases are among the world's leading causes of illness and death today. With global warming, climate change and the increase in international travel - no one is safe. The new generation of mosquito traps, incorporating the latest proven mosquito attracting science, now look set to become the homeowners weapon of choice in the ongoing war on mosquitoes.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise that getting rid the bite is the best protection and continually urge people to avoid the outdoors during periods of peak mosquito activity (typically dawn and dusk). While sound advice, this isn't always practical or possible. So if you do go outside, then you should take steps to become a less appealing target for a mosquito seeking a blood meal. Prevention Do's and Don't's: * Avoid dark colors, especially black. Mosquitoes have sophisticated and highly sensitive heat sensors, and tend to be more attracted to victims dressed in black or dark colors - colors that absorb and retain heat. * Avoid use scented soaps, colognes, lotions or hair products. These can also attract mosquitoes. * Prefer wearing light colored clothing which is less attractive to some mosquito species. Long sleeves and long pants, hats, as well as shoes and socks will give added protection. * Use Insect Repellents. DEET, endorsed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has long been considered the most effective mosquito repellant on the market. Alternatives also approved by the CDC include Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. While repellents are effective, they do just that, repel, not kill mosquitoes. To further reduce the risk of getting bitten you need to reduce the number of mosquitoes. Eliminating and reducing breeding sites is considered the first step in decreasing mosquito populations outside, however the Aedes mosquito often resides indoors. Constant trapping and killing of female blood-seeking mosquitoes is aimed at reducing mosquitoes, and with it the incidence of them entering the home. Only female mosquitoes bite and a single female mosquito can lay thousands of eggs during her life time. Mosquito Traps help take the bite out of your backyard: Mosquito traps have long been used by entomologists and mosquito control agencies worldwide for trapping and surveillance purposes. Donald Barnard, research entomologist at the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service (ARS)in Gainesville Florida, has been conducting studies into just what attracts mosquitoes, and believes the potential exists to use traps for reducing mosquito populations with minimal dependence on chemical insecticides. In an article published in the Agricultural Research Magazine, "How Attractive Are You? To Mosquitoes, That Is," Barnard says: "Our hope is to reduce reliance on pesticides. We expect attractant-enhanced traps to eventually surpass pesticides in effectiveness." Carbon dioxide (C02), Octenol and lactic acid are three of the most studied mosquito attractants and have been incorporated into a number of commercially available mosquito traps. They work on the principle of making the trap attractive to mosquitoes by emitting Octenol, lactic acid, heat, light, moisture or C02 - or a combination of these to lure mosquitoes. While these new generation mosquito traps have improved with technology and their effectiveness at catching mosquitoes tested and proven, there is a huge difference in the cost, quality and effectiveness of different brands of traps While mosquito traps won't permanently eliminate mosquitoes, and no responsible manufacturer should claim otherwise, when enough female mosquitoes are captured, their breeding cycle is interrupted, decreasing mosquito populations around the home. Intercepting, trapping and destroying mosquitoes before they can get to you will reduce biting incidences and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Chikungunya and Dengue fever. If you are unlucky enough to get bitten by a rogue mosquito, it can take up to two days before the itchy bump or wheal appears. Don't scratch the bite, no matter how good it feels. The itch won't go away, and the scratching will just break the skin which could lead to infection. Wash with soap first, run cool water over the bite, and be guided by the experts. Mosquito Bite Treatment: * Calamine lotion or Caladryl - A combination of zinc and iron oxides reported to have a soothing effect on itchy skin. Caladryl also contains a mild topical analgesic for pain. * Icepacks - The cold constricts the blood vessels, which helps reduce the swelling, and numbs the skin to lessen the discomfort. * Ibuprofen or hydrocortisone cream - Both will work to reduce swelling, and hydrocortisone also is widely used to soothe itching. * Anti-histamines - Any over-the-counter medication such as Benadryl should help the itching to subside Some people, although this is rare, can have a serious reaction to mosquito bites, which results in swelling in the throat, significant hives and wheezing. This life-threatening condition (anaphylaxis) requires immediate medical attention. Help fight the backyard bite with a good DIY mosquito control program that incorporates a number of strategies, including an effective trapping system, personal repellents, and a proactive approach to reducing mosquito breeding sites on your property. As they say, preventing the bite is by far the best protection
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AuthorMDK Pest Provides the best Mosquito Control Traps in San Angelo, Texas. Ensure your family with a mosquito trap from MDK Pest Control. Reach us today. Archives
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