Beware of the Bite!

I'm sure we have all been affected by the bite of these small pests every once in awhile. They have a tenancy to ruin warm sunny afternoons, or bright full moon nights. They seem to always find a way to be a pest, no matter where or when they strike. Leaving each of us with itchy bites covering our bodies, and annoyance's beyond measure.
Have you guessed just what specific pest I am talking about?


MOSQUITOES


No summer evening would be complete without the buzz and bite of these small creatures. However, what each of us need to be aware of is that mosquitoes can leave us with greater health problems than just an itchy red bite. There are many health risks that can result from a simple welt. Some of these health risks include diseases such as:

• West Nile Virus – now considered a seasonal epidemic in North America, West Nile virus makes the news nearly every summer. It causes inflammation of the brain, and can be fatal in some patients.
• Malaria – this mosquito-borne disease can be found around the world, primarily in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the South Pacific. Symptoms can vary from one patient to another, and include fever, body aches, coma, and death.
• Dengue fever – this disease can be found in the tropics, and comes from a certain type of mosquito that is active during the day time.
• Yellow fever – found in South America and Africa, this disease does have a vaccine. However, in areas where the vaccine is unavailable, the mosquitoes transmit the disease from one person to another.
• Heartworm – a parasite affecting household pets, the larvae are transmitted by mosquitoes. Untreated, heartworms can clog up the heart, causing cardiovascular problems and death.

These are just a few of the many diseases that mosquitoes can carry, and are among the most common and popular in North America. In order to protect yourself from these diseases, there are many prevention methods available, such as: 

Mosquito Trap

• Limit breeding areas – mosquitoes love to breed in shallow, still water. Prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property by keeping ponds healthy, clean, and well circulated. If you have a pond, keep it stocked with fish that will eat mosquitoes and the larvae, including koi and bass. Dump out any standing water that might collect in buckets, toys, or other areas around your yard after every rain.
• Use repellents and traps – If you are going to be out during mosquito season, make sure that everyone in your family puts on mosquito repellent. There are special products on the market for both children and pets. You can also consider a mosquito trap that will attract and kill mosquitoes, protecting up to an acre of area.
• Be mosquito smart – avoid going out at dusk or dawn, since these are prime mosquito times. If you are going out at a time or to an area that is mosquito infested, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect your skin.

Recently, I was personally introduced to a new way to repel mosquitoes! Since many mosquitoes have become immune to regular repellent, I figured I'd give this new way a shot!

*Take an empty spray bottle, and poor Listerine mouth wash into it. Then spray desired areas in which you will be spending time, such as on the patio floor, lawn furniture, door frames, even children's swing sets. The Listerine acts like a repellent to the mosquitoes, so the pests stay away!

I noticed that our German Sheppard dog, named Dixie, was being annoyed by mosquitoes. So we sprayed Listerine on the inside of her dog house, and so far it has kept them away! I'm not saying you have to give this new method a shot, but it truly would be well worth your time! Plus, a large jug of Listerine mouth wash is 1/4 the price of a small can of "Deep Woods Off". Your saving money and keeping the annoying pests away from you, what a deal! 

Mosquitoes also affect agriculture livestock, the only difference, they attain many more welts than humans. It is proven that cattle that are attacked by many pestering mosquitoes will often spend their time trying to avoid the pests, which are found in grazing pastures, this keeping them from grass grazing. This problem could lead to many other problems, including the livestock being unfed, due to their urge to avoid the pests. Just like we use repellent, there are also repellents made for cattle, which can be purchased at most farm supply stores! So the next time you see your cattle fighting with the pests, perhaps spray some repellent on them. In the long run, this would prevent many future issues. 

I wish everyone an incredible summer, beware of the bite, remember to use repellent!

-Jess




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