Protect Your Family During Mosquito Season

(Family Features) Just one is all it takes. One mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases. One tick bite can result in Lyme disease. In 2006 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,887 cases of West Nile virus in the United States, resulting in 120 deaths. And according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), more than 100,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported here.

Traditional insect repellents can be effective, but the potential health risks-especially to children-have many parents thinking twice about slathering man-made chemicals on their kids' clothing, arms, legs and faces. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against using products containing DEET on children less than 2 years of age. And even for older children, it recommends avoiding application of DEET to their face and hands. Yet children are the ones most vulnerable to insect stinging and biting because their immune systems have not fully developed.

Aware of the restriction of traditional insect repellents, researchers have long worked to uncover safer alternatives to repellents that contain DEET. They have discovered an all-natural, plant-based insect repellent called Geraniol that not only is a safer choice but, in many instances, is more effective for repelling insects than DEET. A 17-year study revealed that Geraniol, the active ingredient in BugBand insect repellent products, is safe for children and pets, and can be used around food. BugBand distributes Geraniol-based insect repellent in several forms, including wristbands (for everyday use), and pump spray and towelettes (for heavier-duty applications).

"With the growing risk of West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, going without protection when you're outside simply isn't an option," says BugBand president Dan Ritter.

Dr. Kimberly Thompson, a specialist in risk analysis at the Harvard School of Public Health in Cambridge, Mass., says that vigilance is required in taking precautions against mosquitoes.

"It is best to take a holistic approach to mosquito control," says Thompson. "This includes taking physical measures to reduce breeding grounds and risk, using pest control products properly when needed, and working within local communities to ensure civic leaders are providing education about West Nile Virus and protection from mosquitoes."

She recommends the following 10 tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites and possible infection by West Nile Virus:

1. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
2. Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin whenever you are in an area where mosquitoes may be present. Repellents provide extra protection when exposed to mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.
3. Eliminate standing water, including clogged gutters, pool covers, empty wheelbarrows and pools of water anywhere in the yard. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers in which water may have accumulated. Be sure to remove used tires, which are a common haven for mosquito breeding.
4. Remind or help neighbors eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
5. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed shoes when outdoors.
6. Encourage local officials to treat small ponds with larvacide and consider stocking larger ponds with larva-eating fish as additional control.
7. Ensure that organizers of summertime activities for youth and the elderly-such as summer camps, park and recreation centers, and senior centers-are proactively using pest-control strategies and products.
8. Beware of the times when mosquitoes are most active, typically at dusk and dawn, April through October, and avoid prime mosquito locations including marshes and wetlands.
9. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them covered when they aren't in use.
10. Learn more about your community's mosquito-control program. Ensure that local community leaders are protecting the public through integrated mosquito management programs.

Back to Articles

All materials courtesy of Bellmont Partners