Mosquito Protection

Nearly everyone has experienced the terrible sensation of a mosquito biting them. An allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva can result in skin irritation from bites; this is what gives rise to the red bump and itching. However, the spread of dangerous viruses and diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, malaria and Zika could be a more dangerous result of some mosquito bites. These infections can have fatal or severely crippling consequences.

Mosquitoes are most active during the late spring, summer and early fall months; especially in the evening hours and when it’s humid. Since strong sunlight and high temperatures might dry them, they are usually most active around sunrise and dusk and rarely venture outside during the day.

This article discusses natural methods for preventing mosquito bites. Such as lemon eucalyptus as an EPA-registered repellent that is categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an active component in mosquito repellents. According to a research that was published in the journal Fitoterapia in June 2014, lemon eucalyptus essential oil offers complete protection from mosquitoes for a maximum of 12 hours. According to Conlon, “it is a very good repellent…Just keep in mind that it hasn’t been approved for use on children younger than three years old.” Bonus: Lemon eucalyptus also aids in relieving coughing and congestion associated with the common cold. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/natural-ways-to-prevent-mosquito-bites.aspx 

In the US, there are over 200 different species of mosquitoes that bite various animals, have distinct habits and inhabit particular areas. You may ask how to control mosquitoes. When an outbreak of mosquito-borne disease is being spread by adult mosquitoes, one of the quickest and most effective ways to stop it is to use an EPA-registered insecticide. Adulticides are the pesticides that are authorized for use in this situation. Adulticides are sprayed from the air by aircraft or from the ground by truck-mounted sprayers.

Since they have been used successfully for more than 50 years, aerial spraying techniques have the ability to treat huge regions with little amounts of insecticide. When used as directed on the label, these aerial sprays have been thoroughly assessed by the EPA and do not endanger human health or the environment. https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach 

For in person learning opportunities with VINES, keep an eye on https://vinesgardens.org/events/.