3 Best Steps to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are painful and itchy. I get plenty every summer and I hate it. With summer here, mosquitos will be in high abundance, and unfortunately itchy bumps may be the least of our worries.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that two batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The most common virus mosquitoes spread in the United States is the West Nile virus.
Mosquito bites can also carry the deadly EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) virus that can cause severe inflammation of the brain.
EEE infections are rising alarmingly throughout the NorthEast as 10 people have already died from the mosquito-borne illness.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) those infected with EEE suffer symptoms ranging from flu-like to permanent neurological damage.
Close to 30 percent die from the infection.
Every passing summer grows hotter and hotter, giving more time for mosquitos to fester and bite.
My mother used to always say I had the “sweet blood” because I would get bitten by mosquitoes CONSTANTLY.
Because of this I know mosquito bites are NO fun. That’s why considering that we’re already dealing with one deadly disease, I’d like to protect myself as best I can from another.
Currently there is no vaccine for EEE, but with these tried and true tips you can defend yourself from being the main course for those pesky vampires of the bug world.
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Defend Your Home – Remove Mosquito Hang Out Spots
Standing water, water that is stagnant and not flowing, is a hot spot for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes BREED there. This can include puddles, ponds, drain water, water bowls for pets, and even potted plant trays.
- Remove any containers that can hold water. This includes toys, flowerpots, buckets, trash containers, and old tires. These items can gather water if left outside after rain. This is a NO NO. Mosquitoes BREED in stagnant water.
- Bonus: That glass of water near your bed on those hot nights is a NO NO too. Sorry.
- Change pet bowls and flower pots that have water in them regularly. Do this every three days.
Defend Your Home (Some More)– Create Barriers
Bugs are sneaky critters and will find their way inside your home if you don’t put the proper barriers.
- Cover gaps in the walls and doors if possible to keep mosquitoes out
- Make sure there are no holes in your window or door screens.
- Use nets if possible. This is because they create a great physical barrier. It might sound dramatic, but nets really does work and aren’t a hassle to put up.
- Bonus: Bed nets are SUPER EASY to install and can be found for under $25. They can also be used to cover baby carriers and cradles as well. These affordable and stylish Even Naturals bed nets not only protect you from mosquitoes but other bugs as well.
Defend Your Body– Don’t Get Bitten
To avoid mosquito-borne diseases make your body the worst possible meal for those bugs.
- Cover exposed skin when possible. This means long sleeves and pants are your most natural line of defense. Head nets are also an option if you’re walking around in areas that are highly infested with mosquitoes.
- Bonus: You can get a pack of highly rated 3 Mosquito and bug repellent head nets for under $15 here.
- Get you some BUG LIGHTS. Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights” that are known to attract LESS mosquitoes.
- Bonus: You can even get a nifty bug zapper that serves as a regular lightbulb AND a bug killer. This GLOUE Bug Zapper Light Bulb is a 2 in 1 Mosquito Killer AND Lamp.
- Get EPA-registered (aka APPROVED) mosquito repellents. Approved repellants should contain one of the following active ingredients:
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- Bonus: OFF is the often used– and cost friendly– mosquito repellent. It only contains 15% of DEET. If you’re looking for something a little STRONGER, and just as cost friendly there’s this Ben’s 0006-7081 100% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent.
Bonus: Do NOT Do This
Safety is a priority so when repelling mosquitos make sure you do NOT do the following:
- DO NOT use insect repellent on children under 2 years of age
- Don’t put insect repellent on open wounds or cuts
- Do NOT put insect repellent that contains OLE or PMD on children under 3 years of age
Mosquito bites can be annoying AND deadly.
And if you’re like me with the “sweet blood,” they can be a nightmare. Yet, even if you just want to protect yourself and those you love, these are the 3 most effective ways to do just that. You can use these 3 steps in your home or when you travel.
Vampires don’t just exist in horror movies and novels, they fly among us (as mosquitos). You don’t have to be their next meal.
Stay safe, Final Girl.