Health

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week Begins Sunday, June 20

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PRWEB)

While we are finally recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the yearly onslaught of mosquitoes and their bites is just around the corner!

In recognition of the upcoming National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 20—June 26, 2021), the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has tips to help you avoid the bites from these vicious blood-suckers.

Standing water, bare skin and dark clothing are three things that attract mosquitoes. AMCA recommends people follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away:

Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week

Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus

Reduce sites on your property where mosquitoes may develop by eliminating containers that may hold water, such as disposing of any tires – water in tires can allow thousands of mosquitoes; drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys; and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week.

“Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to a community-wide mosquito control program,” says AMCA Technical Advisor David Brown. “Mosquitoes require stagnant water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.”

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. Their bites can spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus.

“While we are getting vaccinated against Covid-19, it is important to realize that there are NO vaccines for the diseases mosquitoes may carry in the United States,” said Brown. “We must be prepared to prevent mosquitoes from developing and protect ourselves when they are around through sustained safe and effective mosquito control measures and through the use of protective personal repellents.”

AMCA stresses mosquito-borne diseases do not only affect humans – they also kill countless birds, reptiles, dogs, horses and endangered species each year. Awareness of these diseases – including canine heartworm, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis – is another important component of mosquito control the general public must embrace.

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About the American Mosquito Control Association

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is an international not-for-profit public service association. With 1,200 members worldwide, AMCA services are provided mainly to public agencies and their principal staff members engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. The membership extends to 53 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.

For more information on National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, please visit AMCA online at http://www.mosquito.org. Follow AMCA on Facebook (@AmericanMosquitoControl) and Twitter (@AMCAtweets).

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