Banish the Mosquitoes in 2 Simple Steps

Mosquito Season Is Back! Here’s How You Can Banish Them In 2 Simple Steps

The problem of mosquitoes is a perpetual one in India. It also brings with it the threat of various mosquito-borne diseases that affect 40 million Indians every year. Children are more susceptible to mosquito bites. How, then, do you protect yourself and your family from this omnipresent menace?

Each year, the government launches drives and initiatives to deal with the mosquito menace, but these efforts are only mildly successful. Exploding population, rapid urbanization, poor hygiene conditions, improper waste disposal and low sensitization have all contributed to exacerbating the situation

Mosquitos And Disease

• The first description of the symptoms of malaria was recorded in a Sanskrit text as far back as 600 CE. But in the past few years, a few other vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya have become widespread. 
• Any kind of personal battle plan for mosquitos needs to follow a two-pronged approach. One, you need to stop them from breeding in and around your surroundings. And two, you need to protect yourself from mosquito bites

STEP 1 : CONTROL MOSQUITO POPULATION

The female mosquito lays her eggs in stagnant water. Any kind of stagnant water in your surroundings can be the ideal breeding ground for mosquitos.

• Make sure that there are no containers like buckets and pots left out in the open. Upturn them to prevent water from collecting in them. This is especially relevant during the monsoon when rainwater will collect in any container.
• Keep septic tanks and drains covered. All trash cans outside must be covered too.
• Avoid over watering your garden or potted plants. The excess water will attract mosquitos.
• If you use coolers, ensure that you clean out the water tray regularly.
• Ensure that there are no garbage piles around your surroundings. These might contain objects in which water could collect.
• Construction sites are potential mosquito breeding grounds. If there is one in your area, urge them to take the proper precautions to avoid mosquitos breeding at their site.
• If you see any stagnant water around, inform the local civic authorities.

STEP 2 : PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES 

In spite of all your efforts to control mosquitos breeding in your surroundings, you might still be faced with an army of these pesky creatures every evening. The best solution would be to protect yourself from them.

• Try to stay indoors during peak mosquito time, which is about 6 to 7 in the evenings.
• Wear long-sleeved, light-colored cotton clothes whenever possible.
• Apply insect repellent. Reapply frequently if you’re outside.
• Use mosquito nets at homely.
• Mosquitos can’t tolerate an air-conditioned environment. Ensure that your room is cool. Fans at high speed also repel mosquitos.
• Place mosquito repelling coils outside your house, near doorways. These will prevent mosquitos from entering your house each time the door is opened.
• Use electric liquid mosquito repellants at night.
• Natural repellants like camphor, eucalyptus oil and neem oil can also be used.
• You can also plant certain plants in your garden to keep the mosquitos away. Basil, Tulsi, citronella, marigold, neem and lemon – all have insect repelling properties.

BE AWARE  

The key to fighting mosquitos is awareness. Sanitation and hygiene play a huge role in getting rid of mosquitos. If you get bitten, know the symptoms you need to watch out for. Mosquito bites are more than just an annoyance. But if you’re equipped with knowledge, you can easily manage this menace.