Keep the bugs at bay

  • Published
  • By 4th Medical Group
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Mosquitoes are a major health hazard responsible for the transmission of West Nile Virus and many other serious diseases. Even if you're only outside for a few minute, mosquitoes can detect your presence from more than 100 feet away.

A few simple preventive measures, such as insect repellent, can help decrease exposure to mosquito bites. However, not all repellents are the same and there are a lot of different brands sold. Studies show that DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Picaridin (KBR 3023) based products are the most effective. In general, the higher the concentration of active ingredients listed on the bottle, the longer it will protect against mosquito bites. Always follow the repellent label directions and ask your medical provider if you have any health concerns before application.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:

· Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin.
· Do not apply repellent to skin that is under clothing.
· Do not apply repellent to broken or irritated skin.
· Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors.
· Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas
· Do not spray repellent directly onto the face.

The following guidelines apply when using insect repellents on children:

· The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that insect repellents should not be used on infants less than 2-months-old.
· Products for children should contain no more than 30 percent DEET.
· Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use the repellent sparingly around their ears.
· Do not apply repellent to children's hands.
· Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent on their own, have an adult do it for them.
· Keep repellents out of reach of children.
· Do not apply repellent under clothing.
· Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers.

Sometimes using insect repellent alone is not enough to protect yourself and your family. Being aware of the areas where mosquitoes like to breed can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

It's also important to clean up around your house because most species of mosquitoes have flight ranges of one to three miles.

Some tips for keeping mosquitoes away from your yard and home include:

· Stagnant water located in birdbaths should be changed every other day.
· Fill in low-lying depressions in lawn areas where water can collect.
· Open or broken window screens and attic vents offer perfect avenues for mosquitoes to make
their way into your home. Window screens should fit snugly into the frame with no holes or tears.
· Pool covers can collect water and should be emptied right away.
· Toys and other objects around the yard should be placed in an area where they will not collect rainwater.
· Mosquitoes are often attracted to containers of standing water in wheelbarrows or tires that
are left outside. To avoid this, drill holes in the bottom of containers to allow water to flow out
or turn over those items that are not in use.
· Leaky faucets should be closed tightly as water build-up can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

According to the 4th Medical Group, a single mosquito bite can make you sick. Following these preventative measures can help protect against mosquito-born illnesses this summer.