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While insects thrive in the warm months, you may experience an increased number of creepy crawlers in your home as the weather cools down. Some species of insects simply die off during the winter, leaving eggs to repopulate during the spring, and some will migrate to warmer climates. ...

With the steady increase of non-travel related Zika cases, it is important to know as much about Zika as possible to avoid getting and spreading the disease.  Below are some of the most important things that everyone should know about Zika, and how you may be affected by the virus. How Zika is Spread Zika is spread to adults primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. If a mosquito bites an infected person, it can also spread the virus to those it bites after. While the mosquitoes that carry the virus are more likely to bite during the daytime, they are also capable of biting at night when you may be less prepared. Zika is also spread through sexual intercourse with someone who is infected and to a fetus from a pregnant woman who is infected. Symptoms of Zika Eighty percent of people who get the Zika virus do not show any symptoms...

The Zika virus has consistently been a topic of apprehension for people all around the world. It was initially associated with those who travel outside of the U.S., but with the number of locally-acquired cases nearing 150 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Zika is becoming a growing concern among Americans. Pregnant women especially are concerned with mosquitoes that may be carrying the Zika virus. The effects of mosquito bites while pregnant, if the mosquito is infected with the Zika virus, can be devastating and include birth defects, such as an abnormally small head and brain, or even loss of the baby. The two main factors that attract mosquitoes, carbon dioxide and body temperature, contribute to an increased number of mosquito bites while pregnant. Higher Carbon Dioxide Levels Mosquitoes utilize sensory receptors that draw them to their host. A main factor that attracts mosquitoes is carbon dioxide, which they can...

What Attracts Mosquitoes in the First Place? Let’s face it, mosquitoes are everywhere and can make outdoor activities, which include your favorite sports, far from enjoyable. Many people tend to think that the more mobile they are outdoors, the less likely they are to be found by mosquitoes. However, it’s actually those on the sidelines or in the stands that may leave the sporting event with fewer mosquito bites. Below are factors that attract mosquitoes and are more predominant in some sports over others. Movement: mosquitoes sense and are drawn to movement; so the more active you are, the more likely you are to attract mosquitoes. Sweat: the chemicals in our perspiration, which linger on our skin and continue to be produced with constant movement, attract mosquitoes. Carbon dioxide: mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide which is released when we breathe.  The harder we breathe while playing sports, the more carbon...

Don’t Let Bugs Ruin Your Camping Trip Preparing for a camping trip can be an exhausting task, and that's before you begin battling bugs and constantly applying bug spray at your campsite. Camping should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, right? That’s why NET effect has compiled a list of our recommendations on how to keep bugs away while camping.  Then you can enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer, without having to deal with the pesky bugs that call it home. Incorporate Garlic Into Your Cookout If you are a lover of garlic, then you’re in luck. Garlic is known to be a natural bug repellent; many people swear by its effectiveness. Consider adding garlic cloves to food you are grilling or cooking over fire. The smell given off should keep bugs away while you camp.  Additionally, the garlic you've ingested will work to prevent bugs from landing on...

Between the sheer annoyance of insect bites and the potentially devastating diseases they can transmit, the effectiveness and safety of insect repellent continues to be a high-level concern for many people. DEET, an active ingredient found in insect repellents like NET effect, has made headlines due to its ability to protect you from pesky and potentially harmful insect bites. Since you may have concerns about the use of products containing DEET, we have compiled a list of the most popular myths and facts about the ingredient, so you can feel confident with your next purchase of NET effect insect repellent! Myth Insect repellents with higher percentages of DEET provide better protection against insects. Fact One of the main facts about DEET that consumers should know is that the percentage of DEET determines how long you are protected from insects, not the quality of insect protection. For example, products with 10% DEET provide protection for...

Most mosquito bites are harmless, usually subsiding within a few days. However, the chance of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika, is becoming more likely. Now, more than ever, you will want to protect yourself and loved ones with a few simple recommendations. Get Rid of Any Standing Water around Your Home Standing water is one of the most common environments in which pesky mosquitoes are able to thrive. Avoid having open water areas or containers around the house that might enable mosquitoes to breed. Refresh pet water dishes and bird baths frequently.  Pick up and haul away from around the house all trash piles, junk cars, bottles, old tires. cans and similar objects that hide and hold water.   Use Mosquito Nets and Screens If you live in a warm climate or just like the fresh air, install mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent those buggers from getting inside.  Mosquito nets allow...

Are You Deprived of Fresh Air? These Fall Activities May Be the Answer! With summer winding down and the fall season quickly creeping up on us, many people find themselves anxiously awaiting cooler temperatures, autumn colors and especially all of the fall activities that can be done without having to deal with pesky mosquitoes. In anticipation of the anxiously-awaited fall season, we’ve put together some of our favorite fall activities that everyone should set some time aside for this year. Pumpkin and Apple Picking Perhaps the activity most associated with fall pertains to picking favorite seasonal fruits: pumpkins and apples! Visiting your favorite pumpkin patch or apple orchard is great for family bonding whilst enjoying the outdoors. Pumpkins also provide for fun-at-home activities the whole family can enjoy, including pumpkin carving and roasting seeds (yum!). Camping Many people reserve camping times for the summer months when the weather is warm and bundling up is of...

Due to the West Nile, Zika and Chikungunya viruses, in addition to malaria and dengue fever, there is a lot of “buzz” around mosquito bites these days. When it comes to itchy and irritated skin, many people often assume it's par for the course with a mosquito bite. Many though aren’t aware of certain things to look for when identifying insect bites. Since mosquitoes aren’t the only disease-carrying bugs, it is beneficial to know how to identify different insect bites. Mosquito Bites Probably the most common insect bite, mosquito bites appear as small, round red bumps on the skin, occasionally with a small dot at the center. When female mosquitoes bite, they inject their saliva into the human body. This saliva contains certain proteins to which most humans are allergic. causing a red bump on the skin accompanied by irritation and itchiness. People with weaker immune systems may experience a more severe...