How to Mosquito Proof Both Yourself and Your Home

Spring is in full bloom and with it comes a rainier season across the country, and with this wetter and warmer time of year comes mosquitoes and all the diseases that they can spread when they bite you including West Nile Virus.

It is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself when you are outdoors as well as your home from mosquitoes so you don't become their next meal every time you step outside your door.  According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites from ever happening.

When you are outdoors, you can avoid bites by using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products.  When using these repellents, be sure you follow their directions for use closely for the best protection.

Once you have effectively protected yourself while you are outdoors, it is time to also mosquito proof your home and property. 

Empty any standing water from flowerpots, butters, pool covers, pet dishes, old tires, bird baths and anything else that could hold water on a regular basis.  This type of standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and just invites them to make their home on your property.

While you may want to open those windows and air out the house after a long winter, be sure that all your windows and doors have screens and ensure that these screens are in good repair and free from any holes or wear and tear before you do.  After you do air out the house, go ahead and make the switch to air conditioning to cool your house without the need to open your windows.

According to the CDC, approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with the West Nile Virus don't show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop the illness or not.

If you do develop minor symptoms, these often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands and a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.  These symptoms can last for several weeks.

In less than one percent of cases, symptoms will be more severe and could even be life threatening.  These symptoms include all of the symptoms from the minor cases, but it will also include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, paralysis and even death.  These symptoms can last for several weeks with some becoming permanent.