Whether you believe it or not, the deadliest creature in the world is the tiniest one – the mosquito. This is because they carry a range of deadly viruses and spread them to humans and other animals. Hence, it is important to prevent and control the mosquitoes from spreading diseases to us and our dear ones. When we take the right steps to get rid of mosquitoes, it ensures the protection of our family against many deadly diseases.
Common Mosquito-borne Diseases in India
The most common mosquito-borne diseases found in India are Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, Japanese encephalitis and Lymphatic filariasis.
Chikungunya
The mosquito that spreads Chikungunya is the Aedes Aegypti.
The symptoms of Chikungunya are a headache, fever, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain and vomiting. Though Chikungunya is not fatal, it does cause severe limb deformity.
Dengue
Dengue is caused by four distinct viruses and can affect a person several times in their lifetime.
The symptoms are high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, measles-like rashes, vomiting and nausea.
Dengue can lead to haemorrhagic shock and multi-organ failure.
Malaria
Malarial infection is the deadliest infection as it affects the brain and causes death if left untreated.
Japanese encephalitis
When a person is infected with this virus, his/her central nervous system is affected. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting etc.
Lymphatic Filariasis
This infection affects the lymphatic system and leads to painful and swollen limbs.
Controlling Mosquitoes
Though there are a lot of options in the market to control mosquitoes, the most effective ones are as set out below:
Sprays: Insecticide sprays specially made for mosquitoes can be sprayed on specific areas to reduce the mosquito population. These kind of sprays can be used once a month and should be applied with a sprayer. As mosquitoes tend to hide in dark and humid areas, these treatments should be done in such areas.
Misting Systems: This system is also effective as it dispenses the insecticide at specific intervals so that the mosquito population can be controlled continuously. Though this system is a bit expensive, it is convenient on account of being totally hands free and timed.
Traps: Another alternate solution to the use of chemicals is the trap system. These traps attract and trap the mosquitoes/other insects without any effort on our part.
Install Screens: Install mosquito screens on windows and on door frames.
Preventing Mosquito Breeding
Though controlling mosquitoes from entering our home is a good idea, it is quite essential to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Here are some ways to prevent them from breeding.
Reduce Breeding Places: The female mosquito is capable of producing thousands of offspring. Usually, the breeding places are stagnated water. Thus, reducing the amount of stagnated water in nearby areas will certainly reduce the mosquito population. Whether it is gutters, small puddles, buckets, or planters, eliminate them.
Reduce Resting Places: Mosquitoes tend to hide in shady places like grass, bushes and debris during the hot daytime. Hence, it is important to keep our home and the neighborhood less attractive to mosquitoes by trimming the grass, shrubs, bushes and clearing off debris, if any.
Protect Yourself
When you go out, carry mosquito repellents that protect you from mosquito bites. Products such as the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On are effective is driving the mosquitoes when you are outdoors. All you need to do is just apply 4 dots of the Roll-On on clothes for 8 hours of protection. This product is made using 100% natural ingredients & hence completely safe to use.
Also, if you plan to travel, try to get information about an outbreak of mosquito disease in the destination. This will keep you more informed so that you can equip yourself in advance.