How to protect yourself during mosquito season Published April 14, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Corey Ryerson 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Once again, mosquito season is upon us and as the weather begins to warm up, we will start to see more and more of these pests. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, they also pose a potential health risk for both people and animals. Individuals are advised to take the proper steps needed to help protect themselves from mosquitoes and to help reduce mosquito breeding sites around their home. Mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, and because of this they are more active between spring and summer months. Female mosquitoes, unlike males, have a long, needle-like stinger located near the mouth and this is what they use to penetrate the skin, enabling them to draw blood. Proteins in human blood are necessary to produce fertile mosquito eggs. Females produce about 250 eggs per nest and each nest requires a new source of blood. Although there are about 62 different mosquito species found in Georgia, the most common found in southern Georgia is the Asian Tiger mosquito and the Southern House mosquito. The Asian Tiger mosquito primarily feeds during the day, while the Southern House mosquito feeds from dusk to dawn. These species have the potential to carry the West Nile Virus, but pose no other major health risks. The virus can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, there were eight cases of the West Nile Virus reported in the state of Georgia during 2008. For more information, call the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management Flight at 257-4397. There are several ways people can protect themselves from mosquitoes as well as reduce mosquito breeding sites at home or work place. Insect repellents can be used to help protect exposed skin. It is recommended to use an insect repellent with an Environmental Protection Agency-approved active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package for safest and most effective use. Precautions when using insect repellents: · Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). · Do not apply repellents under clothing. · Never use repellents on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. · Do not apply directly to the eyes or the mouth, and apply sparingly around the ears. · When using sprays, do not spray directly on face, spray on hands first and then apply to face. · Do not allow children to handle the repellents. When using on children, apply it to your hands first and then put it on the child. It is not recommended to apply to children's hands. · Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation are generally unnecessary for effectiveness. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply more. · After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly during the day or for consecutive days. Wash treated clothes before wearing them again (This precaution may vary with different repellents--check the product label). · If a rash or reaction occurs, wash the repellent off with mild soap and water and call a local poison control center for further guidance. If required to visit a doctor, make sure you bring the repellant to the appointment. Individuals should also avoid large breeding areas such as: mud lands, swamps and deep-wooded areas. If planning to go out after sunset, wear long-sleeve shirts and pants. Reduce the number of mosquitoes in outdoor areas by draining sources of standing water. This reduces the number of areas mosquitoes can lay their eggs to breed. · At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans. · Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out to eliminate standing water. · Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water. · Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your house.