Braman Termite and Pest Elimination urges area residents to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases
The week of June 21-27 has been declared the nineteenth annual National Mosquito Control Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). Braman Termite and Pest Elimination has some valuable advice on how area residents can protect themselves from the serious health risks associated with mosquito bites.
“Mosquitoes need standing water to breed,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite and Pest Elimination. “One of the best things you can do is eliminate all possible breeding sites on your property. That means getting rid of stagnating water in rain gutters, old tires, wading pools, birdbaths, planters—basically anything that can trap water. Mosquitoes need only about a ½ inch of water to breed.”
According to Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), infectious diseases are now spreading geographically much faster than at any time in history. Among them are mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, of which three human cases were confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in 2014.
Braman has other tips for residents and visitors as the weather heats up:
- Block access to your home by making sure windows and doors are screened. Patch or replace any damaged screens.
- Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to dark clothing and can bite through tight-fitting clothes.
- Always use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 when spending time outdoors or traveling in areas known to have increased mosquito populations. Always use these products as directed.
- Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you are concerned about mosquito activity in your area, contact Braman Termite and Pest Elimination.
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