Pesky Mosquito: How Can You Save Yourself

DC has recently been placed first for the worst mosquito infestation in the U.S. This season has been the most wet due to all the rain this area has recently gotten. With all the standing water and flooding that has taken place within the last few weeks, mosquitoes have breeding non stop. Over a several week time frame, a single breeding can create a population of thousands.

The blood thirsty pests are the females. They can feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even some fish. The itchiness that comes after a bite is due to their saliva. However, they can carry much worse. Infestions such as malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, and filariasis can be carried and transmitted which makes it the deadlist animal family in the world.

Now we know what diseases they can carry, let's look into what can be done to protect you and your family. Since mosquitoes breed in water, make sure all standing water is dumped out around your home. Smoke keeps these pests away so burning sage or rosemary over coals will help.

Here are some remedies that will help not to be bitten:

• Apple cider vinegar on your skin or if you use this vinegar on your foods you will develop a body odor smelling as so

• lemon eucalyptus oil

• repellent with at least 25% DEET

The more you sweat, the more likely you will get bitten. Wipe away any perspiration that occurs periodically during the day. The higher your body temperature is the more you will sweat. An example to use would be baby wipes.

Be careful this summer and make sure you protect you and your love ones from these nuisance pests.