West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes are responsible for more deaths than any other creature on the planet. This comes to mind at present because of the current Zika Scare, but it has been a known fact for a long time. Mosquitoes are harbingers of death - they carry West Nile Virus, Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, La Crosse Encephalitis, and many other gnarly diseases. More reading: World Mosquito Day, The Best...

In a recent article entitled “Best Way to Stop Bug Bites”, Consumer Reports once again recommends Natrapel 8 hour, and references their 2010 study which found Natrapel to be the only non-Deet repellent to receive their recommendation. This is another phenomenal endorsement from a trusted consumer resource. Check out the full article here: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/05/best-way-to-stop-bug-bites/index.htm     Natrapel 8-hour 1oz Pump...

Worried about WNV (West Nile Virus)? It's a serous concern, but there's a lot you can do to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. According to the CDC, West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. [video width="640" height="360" wmv="/blogs/first-aid-mart/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Bens-1001.wmv"][/video] Prevention & Control The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family. Avoid Mosquito Bites Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. Ben's 100 MAX 1.25oz Pump Ben's 100 MAX Tick & Insect Repellent contains the maximum amount of DEET for use in areas of high bug density with intense biting.... read more Retail Price: $5.99 Our Price: $4.49 Quantity Discounts: Call Us! More information about insect repellents can be found here. When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing. Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. Mosquito-Proof Your Home Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it. Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis. Help Your Community West Nile Virus Surveillance and Control Programs Support your local community mosquito control programs. Mosquito control activities are most often handled at the local level, such as through county or city government. The type of mosquito control methods used by a program depends on the time of year, the type of mosquitoes to be controlled, and the habitat structure. Methods can include elimination of mosquito larval habitats, application of insecticides to kill mosquito larvae, or spraying insecticides from trucks or aircraft to kill adult mosquitoes. Your local mosquito control program can provide information about the type of products being used in your area. Check with your local health department for more information. Contact information may be found in the blue (government) pages of the phone book. Ben's 30 4oz Pump Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent offers protection from ticks and insects that may carry West Nile Virus (WNV), Lyme disease, Mala.... read more Retail Price: $5.99 Our Price: $4.29 Quantity Discounts: Call Us! More information about mosquito control can be found here. Resources for vector control professionals are located here. Report dead birds to local authorities. Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check with your state health department to find information about reporting dead birds in your area. Additional Information about Insect Repellents Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Other Insects & Arthropods (CDC) National Pesticide Information Center       Topics Continue reading →

Is DEET bad? No - it's actually a very effective insect repellent (also spelled insect repellant accurately, in  case you were wondering) and the environmental impact and safety concerns are mostly urban legend and FAR outweighed by the efficacy and heath benefits (you don't want Lyme Disease or West Nile Virus, do you?) Environmental Working Group’s science review concluded that...