Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Texas DSHS. However, all opinions are my own.
This past December we welcomed our newest family member, our granddaughter. She has been such a joy to each of us already, and you can bet we’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Declare WAR on Mosquitoes
As we head into warmer months here in Texas, that means protecting her from mosquitoes. Because not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they can also carry a variety of mosquito-borne diseases.
In fact, for pregnant women, there is an even bigger risk. The Zika virus, carried by infected mosquitoes, can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and can lead to severe birth defects, including microcephaly.
And it’s not only the Zika virus. When a mosquito bites an animal, bird, or person infected with a virus or parasite, they can then become infected as well. Other mosquito-borne diseases they carry include West Nile and Chikungunya viruses, Malaria, and dengue fever.
The best protection against these mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito breeding, protect yourself, and declare WAR on mosquitoes:
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Apply an EPA-approved repellent
- Remove standing water
Did you know mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water? This makes it vitally important we look around our homes to remove any standing water, if possible.
Treat standing water that cannot be removed with larvicide, such as mosquito “dunks.”
We have a long mosquito season in Texas due to our warmer climate. Now is the time to start preparing by doing our part to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on our property.
Not only can mosquitoes ruin a day by eating up our ankles, but they can have even longer lasting effects if they spread disease.
Do your part and stay vigilant in the WAR on mosquitoes this season!