Summer is almost gone, but the mosquitoes are still here! This summer (2018), East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and St. John Parishes all have multiple confirmed cases of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus.

Of course the The East Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control is working hard to reduce the mosquito population via daytime larval treatments as well as nighttime mosquito spraying with trucks and airplanes.

But what can you do in the meantime?

What You Need to Know About West Nile Virus

The Center for Disease Control states that:

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bites of infected mosquitos.
At present time there are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus.
80% of people infected will show ZERO symptoms.
1 in 5 infected people develop a fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms will usually occur between 3 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, if at all.

What Can I do to Protect Myself and My Loved Ones?

Because there are no vaccines or medicinal treatments available, prevention is key this summer. Here are a few ways the Center for Disease Control suggests you protect yourself:

Use insect repellent: Specifically, look for repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate), oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), and/or 2-undecanone. (All of these have been proven effective and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women).
Wear long sleeved shirts & pants treated with Permethrin: This may seem counterintuitive with the heat and humidity, but covering your most vulnerable organ, the epidermis, is your best bet. Clothes treated with Permethrin can protect you after multiple washings and it can also be used on boots, socks, tents, etc.
Take necessary steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside: Screen doors, mosquito nets, and constant vigilance is one of the most important steps in West Nile Virus prevention. Make sure you’re using screens on all your doors and windows, repair any holes immediately, use air conditioning, and once a week empty, clean or throw out any items that may contain stagnant water (i.e. buckets, old tires, toys, planters, etc.)
Schedule an appointment! We offer Mosquito Suppression, Automated Misting, and Large Area Fogging Treatments that can reduce the amount of mosquitos in your yard by up to 90%!

Our certified, experienced technicians are the best and most convenient line in self-defense against pesky mosquitos and the potentially fatal West Nile Virus – don’t wait until it’s too late.

Keeping pests out has never been more affordable – Give us a call today!