If you’ve watched or read any news in the past several months, you almost certainly have become aware of the threat of the Zika virus. While there is still much that is not known about Zika, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is aware of a couple of health issues known to be associated with the virus:
- Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly.
- Several countries affected by Zika outbreaks reported an increase in people with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The latest research from the CDC indicates a strong correlation, but only a small portion of recent Zika infectees develop GBS.
If you’re traveling abroad or even staying at home in the South Florida area, the best strategy to lessen your risk of mosquito-borne illness is prevention. Unfortunately in our area, mosquitoes can be a problem year round, and you may not always be aware of when you’ve been bitten by one.
The two primary ways you can help to prevent the risk presented by mosquitoes are protecting your body and protecting your environment.
The most important advice we can give regarding your environment is to make your yard and home as inhospitable to mosquitoes as possible. This means making sure you don’t allow standing water to become a breeding ground. This can best be accomplished through the following steps:
- Drain standing water from collection points such as garbage cans, birdbaths, flower pots, gutters and pool covers.
- Throw away or recycle unused items in your yard that could be a place for water to stand – cans, bottles, buckets, tires, etc.
- Keep your pet’s water dishes clean and their water fresh. Replace it daily at a minimum.
- Check any large items covered with tarp to ensure that water isn’t collecting there. Boats, cars and woodpiles are examples.
- Make sure your pool chemicals are in balance and the filter is in good working order.
- Keep your door and window screens in good working order, patching any holes or places of entry for mosquitoes.
As far as protecting yourself, you’ll want to take care to cover up exposed skin when you’re out during active mosquito hours. Long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes, while warm, can help prevent bites. You’ll also want to use repellant that contains at least 25% DEET.
You may want to consider the use of mosquito netting to cover your baby’s stroller or crib.
We also know that the Zika virus is sexually transmitted as well, so practicing safe sex is always advisable.
If you’d like some help in keeping your property free of mosquitoes and other pests, Ambassador Pest Management is here for you. Serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Stuart, Wellington and the Melbourne area, Ambassador has over 25 years helping Treasure Coast residences stay healthy and pest free. Call today for your free inspection and estimate. 866-632-0088
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