Beware The Bite

The onset of potentially record-breaking temperatures means many homeowners will be retreating to the comfort of air-conditioned environments. It also means more people will delay going outside until the evening hours to enjoy a breath of fresh air and cooler temperatures. This is when it’s going to be important to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Anytime from dusk to dawn is when mosquitoes will be on the prowl and, unfortunately, some of these mosquitoes can carry arbovirus diseases that can be harmful to humans.

Every year, Michigan residents are struck with any number of diseases carried by mosquitoes. Infections from West Nile Virus to Eastern Equine Encephalitis can lead to extended sickness or even death. According to a Michigan medical official, “It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness.”

There are two tactics to employ to help protect yourself, your family, your friends and your pets from the potential harm from mosquito bites:

1. Reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by setting up a mosquito control program.

2. Take personal precautions such as wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts, and using insect repellents when you’re going to be outside, especially from dusk to dawn.

Several tactics can be used to eliminate mosquito breeding habitat and reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard:

1. Keep gutters clean so they will not hold water.

2. Cycle water in outdoor pet bowls, or bird baths.

3. Trim overgrown vegetation to reduce resting / harborage areas for mosquitoes.

4. Move toys to a sheltered area where they will not hold water.

Learn more about how to prevent mosquito bites, and how to set up a mosquito control program, at https://www.owentree.com/mosquito-control/