West Nile Virus – How to Reduce Your Risk
West Nile Virus can be quite frightening, and despite the name, this virus is not only in Africa. In fact, it’s a growing problem in the United States, including areas of California like Bakersfield and Ventura County. If you have a mosquito problem, we are a pest control company in Bakersfield and we can help. While most people think that they could never become a victim and contract West Nile Virus, if they do not take proper precautions, they may be putting themselves and their family at risk. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of how you can reduce your risk and help to keep your family much safer. First, it’s important to learn a bit about it.
How Does It Spread and What Does It Do?
West Nile Virus is an infection that humans generally get through mosquitoes. Fortunately, many who get the disease do not have any symptoms. Others may only experience minor symptoms. Some of those mild symptoms might include headaches or fevers. However, others could develop far worse symptoms, including brain inflammation. Those who fear they could have West Nile Virus should have an examination by a doctor as soon as possible.
Tips for Reducing Risk
Since West Nile Virus typically transfers via mosquito bites, it is important to avoid bites. Some ways you can do this are:
- Using repellents to keep the mosquitoes off of your skin when you are outside. When choosing an insect repellent, always go for quality and make sure that the repellant specifically works on mosquitoes.
- If you can, wear long sleeves. This is not always possible in such a warm area as Bakersfield, so be wary of where you are and when you are out.
- Be aware that the insects tend to be the most active during the evening hours all the way through to dawn, but they can bite during the day as well.
Additionally, you want to make sure you are protecting your home. You can do this by:
- Ensuring you have screens on any windows and doors you keep open.
- Inspecting screens for holes and gaps where a mosquito might be able to enter, and having them repaired.
- Keeping the house closed up. If you have air conditioning, use it to keep it cool in the house so you don’t have to open windows.
- Remove standing water. One of the most important tips to help keep your home a bit safer is to remove standing water! This could be from buckets, flowerpots, pet dishes, stagnant ponds, birdbaths, and more. These areas are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By removing the standing water, it reduces the risk of having mosquitoes on your property. Even if they aren’t carrying West Nile Virus, it is always good to reduce the number of these annoying pests.
Be aware of what is happening in your area as well. Dead birds could be an indicator that West Nile Virus is in the area. If you notice this problem, make sure that you contact the authorities in Bakersfield and let them know. While it might not be an issue, it is better to be safe rather than sorry.
The above are some of the simplest and best tips coming right from the Center for Disease Control. Even though it might be frightening, with a bit of preparedness, you can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus.
Our knowledgeable employees are always looking for ways to help you keep your good health and to enjoy the comfort of your home with our Pest Control Service in Bakersfield. So, if they see areas with standing water that might attract mosquitos, they will suggest for you to get rid of this potential source of breeding mosquitos in Bakersfield.
