Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your spring break!
Are you planning to travel to somewhere warm?
Don’t forget that mosquitoes and other bugs tend to come along with warm weather!
In addition to being annoying, mosquitoes can be carrying diseases and it’s important to do all you can to avoid mosquito bites.
Mosquito-borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are the earth’s deadliest creature, but you can protect yourself from mosquito borne disease quite easily. The number one way to protect yourself is to avoid getting mosquito bites in the first place!
Mosquito borne diseases that you will be most likely to hear about are Malaria, the Zika virus, Dengue fever, Yellow fever, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya.
An effective vaccine exists for Yellow fever. This vaccine is usually good for 10 years and is required to enter some countries. For detailed information about Yellow fever, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/
When visiting or living in an area with malaria, it is important to follow a prophylactic drug regimen in addition to protecting oneself from mosquito bites. For detailed information about malaria, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/
There are no vaccines or prophylactic drugs for Dengue fever, the Zika virus, the West Nile virus or Chikungunya, so to avoid getting these diseases, it is essential to avoid getting mosquito bites.
Depending on the type of disease, severity of illness can vary and for some people, they won’t have any symptoms at all.
Common symptoms from mosquito-borne diseases include fever, rash, and muscle/joint pain. If you are or have been in an area with mosquito borne disease, see a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms.
How to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes
Mosquitoes that spread disease tend to bite most at dawn and dusk, but unfortunately some bite throughout day time and night time hours.
Dress for protection:
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing including long pants, shirts with long sleeves, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes may be very active.
Use insect repellent:
Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. These repellents have been proven safe and effective. To confirm that your repellent is EPA-approved, click here: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
Be sure to read insect repellent instructions and reapply as advised. If you are also wearing sunscreen, apply sunscreen, let it dry, then apply insect repellent. Below are some insect repellent options from Amazon.
DEET
Picaridin
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Use mosquito nets inside and outside
Because mosquitoes are crafty they can get into pretty much any room when a door or window opens. Mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide so once they are inside, they will find you whether it’s day or night!
While mosquitoes may be less active in air conditioned spaces, they may still bite.
For the best protection, especially when in an area with mosquitoes that could potentially be carrying mosquito borne disease, it is best to sleep under mosquito nets.
We highly recommend tucking mosquito nets into mattresses, lifting a side to get into bed and then tucking that last bit in. This is the best way to prevent gaps. Be sure that any mosquito net doors are pulled firmly shut (if you tuck the net into the mattress, it will help keep doors closed).
Tedderfield Premium Quality Mosquito Nets:
Tedderfield mosquito nets can be used inside and outside!
We encourage you to get creative to maximize use of your mosquito nets! You can cover outdoor tables and chairs, chaise lounges, porch swings, small gazebos, tents while camping, kiddie pools, etc.
Create an indoor or outdoor Arabian nights tent with pillows, decorations, etc. Make a cool indoor or outdoor study spot covering a desk or outside table. Cover your car windows/doors while watching a drive in movie or while camping if you sleep or eat inside your vehicle.
Tedderfield mosquito nets are lightweight and pack into small cloth bags making them easily transportable.
Other ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites…
If you are staying in a vacation home and there are birdbaths or plants with water basins or anything else around the outside of the house that can hold water, be sure to empty these (and refill if you wish) on a daily basis.
Have a fan blowing on you inside or outside. Mosquitoes are not strong flyers and the breeze generated by a fan will help keep them away from you.
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. If you have been working out outside, come inside to cool down to avoid being swarmed by mosquitoes while you stretch!
By following the simple things outlined here, you can greatly reduce your risk of mosquito bites and thereby your risk of mosquito borne disease.
Enjoy your spring break!
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