After watching the video above, I have this strong urge to write an article on how we can prevent the spread of mosquitoes in our home and it is not just because the ‘rainy season’ is coming that this topic seems fit. Seriously, those bloodsuckers have to stop. Now. They don’t care if the recently bought for sale house and lot of yours is in Laguna, Manila or Batanes—they are going to follow you and your delectable blood anywhere. Who is the most likely victim? The unprepared, of course! Here are the safety measures you must apply to free yourself and your family from the clutches of this pesky parasite: Get rid of stagnant water Stagnant water is the breeding ground of mosquitoes. According to National Environment Agency of Singapore, the top five main breeding habitats of mosquitoes at home are domestic containers, flower pot/trays, ornamental containers, plants (hardened soil and plant axis), and toilet bowl/cistern. Drain it dry of water daily. For the toilet bowls, make sure the lid is closed after use.
The site also listed their unusual breeding grounds like planter box, discarded receptacle, barbeque pit, canvass sheet, plant axil, and air conditioner tray. If it can be covered, might as well do it. Unused containers or tires must be thrown away. Or better yet, free up your house and lot of trash and put them on sale/discharge them at any junkshops in Laguna, Quezon City, or Novaliches.
Avoid dark-colored clothes We are not saying you should update your whole wardrobe because this is still a matter of personal preference or style. But did you know mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors? The scientists in University in Wisconsin-Madison found out that “black or dark-hued clothing of any color is often more attractive to many types of nuisance mosquitoes than light clothing. The general order of preference was black (most attractive); red (very attractive); blue (attractive to neutral); green, yellow, and while (less attractive).” Better start collecting pastel colored clothing. This is not related to color-code clothing but it is advisable to wear long-sleeved tops and pants as a cover up. This type of clothing is also perfect during cold months. Bathe regularly Admit it—the moment the heat of El Niño dissipates and the chilly La Niña enters, some of us might or might not be lazy when it comes to freshening up because of the cold weather. Unfortunately, breathing and sweating are definitive ways of flirting with mosquitoes according to an article in the Examiner, which are equivocally ways of flirting with death as well. In addition, “mosquitoes use exhaled carbon dioxide, body odors and temperature, and movement to home in on their victims,” tells the National Geographic. This is how these pests detect us and if I were you, don’t be lax in the hygiene department. Go for natural repellents Stop yourself from stockpiling on bug spray ammo. Insecticide is not only expensive but it harms the environment as well. Try eco-friendly variants such as lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, Greek catnip oil and soybean oil, Healthline recommends. Rainy season or not, we should not let our guard down because we may never know who might be their next victim. Although mosquitoes love humid temperature, the standing water we take for granted could get them closer to us and to our loved ones. Don’t take mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever lightly. Who wants to fall prey to mosquito’s six-needlelike mouthparts? Do you need more convincing? Just look at the lethal arsenal of a mosquito below. Darn scary, right?
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