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Now that we are midway through the summer, mosquito season is in full swing. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from pesky and potentially harmful mosquitoes requires you to take action on several fronts. Below, we break down how you can attain the ultimate mosquito protection this summer. Tackle Mosquito Protection on the Home Front Don’t let bugs burden you this summer or prevent you from enjoying fun outdoor events. There are many housekeeping tactics that you can implement to help safeguard your home and outdoor space from annoying biting insects. To achieve the ultimate mosquito protection at home, follow our tips below. Clean out gutters of all leaves and other debris. Clogged gutters collect water and act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Remove this attraction to deter mosquitos from your property. Maintain your lawn and shrubbery so that mosquitoes don’t try and make those shaded areas their home. Try to...

Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell, and they consider you and your family to be absolutely irresistible. Mosquito repellents are a necessity for all kinds of outdoor activities, from backyard barbeques to tropical destinations. However, most insect repellent sprays can leave your skin feeling greasy with an unpleasant smell that you cannot escape. To avoid being targeted by pesky mosquitoes and biting insects, opt for NET effect roll-on insect repellent that doubles as a pleasant citrus scented perfume. Here are a couple advantages of choosing an insect repellent perfume for your outdoor events this summer. Don’t Sacrifice Your Health for a Great Smell NET effect insect repellent has a fresh, citrus aroma that you will actually appreciate wearing on your skin. Not only does NET effect have a pleasant fragrance, but it also contains DEET, which is widely considered the most effective ingredient in warding off biting insects. This summer,...

The most recent mosquito-borne virus outbreak in the Americas, the Zika virus, has shed new light on an already lengthy list of harmful and debilitating diseases that mosquitoes can carry. North and South America have been greatly impacted from Zika, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile and other infections. Here are four reasons why there are so many mosquito-borne virus outbreaks in the Americas. Surplus of Mosquito Breeds There are 862 mosquito species in South America, 462 in Central America and 192 in North America. Then the thousands of species of birds and mammals also present a huge opportunity for mosquitoes because they can host the viruses. The Americas have mosquito breeds Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are the main culprits for the spread of Zika and other viruses. Urbanization Creates Prime Breeding Grounds In the Americas, there are many underdeveloped urban areas that host the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as stagnant water...

It’s that time of the year again, spring cleaning! As daunting a chore spring cleaning may seem, it is absolutely essential to prepare your yard for mosquito season. In fact, a thorough spring cleaning is your ticket to keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away from your house this summer. Let’s dives into what spring cleaning you can do now to save your summer from mosquitoes. Scout Out Entry Points Cracks, gaps, screens and other vulnerable areas are opportunities for pests to welcome themselves into your home. Make sure that any entry points are properly secured around the house to prevent unwanted insect guests. Protect the Perimeter An essential part of preparing your yard for mosquito season should be to collect any old leaves in your yard that may have accumulated around the sides of your house. Leaves and weeds can trap moisture which invites mosquitoes and other pests. When preparing your landscaping for the summer,...

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...

With two reported cases of Zika in Palm Beach County, the state of Florida has declared a public health crisis. As of March 23rd, Florida holds more than 25% of the cases of Zika in the United States. As with most cases of Zika in the US, one individual is reported to have contracted the disease from a recent trip to South America. Symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, and joint pain; the disease is most dangerous to pregnant women, due to the confirmed link between Zika and birth defects including microcephaly. Microcephaly is a disease that causes infants to be born with smaller-than-average heads resulting in developmental and serious health issues in newborn children. Though neither of the individuals who have contracted the disease is pregnant, the discovery of the disease in Palm Beach County poses a very real threat to expecting mothers in the area. So far Miami-Dade and Broward...