Follow These Precautions to Avoid Potential Infection from West Nile Virus

Recent news has broken about the deadly West Nile virus being found in the Atlanta area at the beginning of July. Treating your property regularly with mosquito control and following certain precautions can help reduce your exposure to the West Nile virus.

How was the West Nile Virus found in Atlanta?

Every year, from July until October, the health department sets out traps to keep an eye on the mosquito population. They are looking for mosquitoes carrying various ailments, primarily for key mosquito-borne illnesses that are potentially fatal to people. Unfortunately, within two weeks of the traps being set, the West Nile virus was found.

The health department deployed a mosquito fogging treatment within a quarter mile of where the virus was found, but outside of that range, how can you reduce the exposure of the West Nile Virus to you and your family?

Precautions to Take Against Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

The West Nile virus is not something to be trifled with. Though most of the population that is infected with the virus don’t show symptoms, 20% experience mild symptoms that include fever, headache, body ache, fatigue, and more. One person out of every 150 who contract the West Nile virus experience more severe symptoms, which can include coma, paralysis, tremors, muscle weakness, and others. Of the more severe cases, 10% are fatal.

You can learn more about the West Nile virus here at our FAQs page covering the virus in the region.

According to the CDC, the best way to reduce exposure and spread of the West Nile virus is by preventing the bites that transmit the disease in the first place. The most critical recommendations are the following:

• Use EPA-registered repellents when outside in untreated areas. Children under 3 should not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD).

• Dress children in clothing that covers their arms and legs and use mosquito netting on baby carriers and strollers.

• Use clothing that has been pre-treated or treat your own clothing with 0.5% permethrin.

• Take steps to control mosquitoes around your property.

The Mosquito Squad’s Fight Against the Bite

The Mosquito Squad of the Greater Atlanta Area is skilled at treating property and looking for key places mosquitoes like to frequent. With the CDC’s last recommended step, we can help you evaluate the outside of your home and provide recommendations on how to lessen your mosquito population.

To reduce the mosquitoes around your home, you can follow the 7 T’s of Mosquito Control. These are: 

1. Tip over unused items that can collect standing water. Some species of mosquitoes only need a capful of water to produce offspring.

2. Toss grass clippings, leaves, firewood, and other debris on your property.

3. Turn over larger yard items that could hold water, such as sandboxes and birdbaths.

4. Remove Tarps that are not tightly secured. Loose tarps can hold water.

5. Take Care of home maintenance. Clogged gutters and downspouts are key places that mosquitoes like to frequent.

6. Team Up with neighbors to ensure that everyone helps reduce the mosquito population around your properties.

7. Treat your property with mosquito preventatives, such as Mosquito Squad’s Traditional Mosquito Barrier Treatment.

Mosquito Squad’s Traditional Mosquito Barrier Treatment is highly effective at reducing the population of mosquitoes around your property by up to 90% and lasts for up to three weeks. Our EPA-registered solution kills adult mosquitoes on contact and seals your property with an invisible barrier that will keep the bite at bay. Contact the Mosquito Squad of the Greater Atlanta Area today to ask about a free quote for our Traditional Mosquito Barrier Treatment or one of our many other services.

Help keep your yard from being a breeding ground for mosquitoes by following the 7 Ts of mosquito control. Mosquito Squad of Greater Atlanta is the best way to reduce mosquitoes on your property long-term. The traditional mosquito barrier treatment reduces backyard mosquitoes by up to 90%, reducing your chances of being bitten and contracting a mosquito-borne disease, such as West Nile Virus. Call our team today to request a free quote for Atlanta mosquito control services.