Are you going to take a wait and see approach – let the mosquitoes have their way and just accept some pretty casual about mosquitoes…
What’s the big deal–get a bite –get a few bites…But getting a bite can be a health issue these days, especially in some areas.
This hit home when a friend’s mother (who lives in Sacramento, California) was diagnosed with West Nile Virus 7-years ago. I got spooked. I had no idea that you could get West Nile Virus in Sacramento, California from a mosquito bite. Did you?
But you can…
In fact, take a look at the CDC latest map break down here. It turns out there are a lot of West Nile Virus reported cases and California and Texas have the most.
So, for 2022, even though the CDC map has no reported West Nile Virus cases in San Francisco County where I live, I spend time in counties within California, and elsewhere, with reported cases of West Nile Virus.
Since Judy and I spend a lot of time outdoors, it makes sense to be proactive, when needed, and play defense against these biting critters.
West Nile Mosquito
Here are some mosquitoes that carry diseases we all want to avoid:
Aedes mosquitoes – The bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito can spread Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Mosquitoes become infected with Zika, Dengue, or Chikungunya virus when they bite a person who is infected with one of those viruses. Infected mosquitoes can then spread one of these viruses to other people. Dengue is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics. In the USA there have been (some) outbreaks in Texas, Florida and Hawaii.
Culex mosquitoes – These mosquitoes currently infect more people in continental US with West Nile Virus than other mosquito born diseases.
Unfortunately, No Cure at Present, Prevention is Key!
How to Prevent Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
Prevent mosquito bites! Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent. Make sure to follow directions when applying to get the repellent’s full designed protection.
Repellent wise, I did some quick research and wanted to share that info with you. Not sure how you feel, but for me, I’m most interested in having a serious repellent on hand to control and match the different disease carrying mosquitoes (and ticks that carry Lyme’s disease) when and where I’m spending time outdoors, and need it.
Choose the Right Mosquito Repellant
As mentioned, there are areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile Virus. See Zika Map here.
Here are some suggestions from Consumers Report. I’ve listed their top three choices – these have CR’s best overall score for repelling Aedes, Culex and Deer tick for the longest time using one of these three active ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus in the necessary percentages recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Here are some for you to check out:
—This has the active ingredient Picaridin
Insect Repellent and Other Good Mosquito Info
According to the EPA – when used as directed – EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Learn about brands registering insect/mosquito repellents with the EPA.
Want to know how to APPLY insect repellents safely and effectively? Read this article from the EPA site.
Standing water in the garden is an issue… Read our post about what you can do all season long to prevent standing water and mosquitoes in your outdoor space.
And finally, here are some good natural mosquito control tips!
Happy Gardening!
