Don’t Let Mosquitoes Catch You Napping This Summer

August 4, 2015 11:56 am

Even though we are experiencing one of the driest Jamaican summers on record, the Ministry of Health has warned that we still need to guard against another outbreak of Chik-V. Obviously, the best defence is to reduce our chances of getting bitten by reducing our exposure and also by making it difficult for mosquitoes to reproduce.

Avoid Exposure

Experts say that mosquito species such as the Aedes aegypti feed mainly during the daytime. However, that does not mean we shouldn’t be vigilant at other times as the mosquito will take advantage of whatever opportunities it can get.

If you have to be outdoors for an extended period, you can make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes by wearing light coloured clothing and using a mosquito repellent containing DEET. VAPE Skin Mist insect repellent contains a low concentration (5.16%) of the active ingredient DEET and was specifically formulated to meet the needs of the entire family, including babies older than two months. The recommended application period is every two to three hours.

Additionally, the VAPE brand offers a range of mosquito control products that can be used safely in the home. These include aerosols, coils, mats and machines, and liquid sets, all of which are environmentally friendly.

Reduce Breeding Sites

Of course, prevention is always the best strategy and your mosquito control programme must involve reducing breeding sites in and around the home. The Aedes aegypti mosquito will lay eggs in any type of container where water is allowed to settle, so be vigilant in monitoring items in and around the home. Old tyres, flower pots, dish drainers and even toilet bowls are favourite breeding sites for this tenacious mosquito. Keep containers covered and use Clorox bleach to disinfect containers, particularly above the water line which is where the mosquito larvae live.

It is also a good idea to keep in touch with your local health authorities and listen out for information on planned vector control activities such as fogging and clean-up days.