Tips to avoid becoming a mosquito meal

Summer has barely begun but it's likely many people have already encountered one of the season's most ubiquitous pests - the mosquito. As is the case with many other insects, mosquitoes have made an early emergence after a mild winter and rainy spring. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that this might be one of the worst seasons yet, so break out the repellant.

“Mosquito season is highly dependent on rain events, and states are monitoring rainfall and pest management companies are applying treatments accordingly”

"Mosquito season is highly dependent on rain events, and states are monitoring rainfall and pest management companies are applying treatments accordingly," noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "This summer, mosquito numbers have the potential to grow significantly and it's important for people to take precautions to avoid exposure."

Although mosquitoes are known to carry a variety of diseases, West Nile virus (WNV) is of most concern in the United States.

"In most cases West Nile Virus is a mild infection with symptoms so slight they can go unnoticed, or feel like a summer flu. In extreme cases, it can be a potentially life threatening infection with higher fever, head and body aches, worsening weakness, confusion and even coma. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention," advised Dr. Jorge Parada, medical spokesperson for the NPMA.

The NPMA offers the following tips 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 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 spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, wear long pants and sleeves and use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
• If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact a pest management company or your local mosquito abatement district.