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Tag: mosquitoes

  • Zika Virus Found in 20 Latin American Countries and Samoa

    The Zika virus, which may cause a birth defect called microcephaly, has been found in 20 Latin American countries as well as the south Paciific country of Samoa. Carried by mosquitoes, doctors and researchers fear it will spread even further.

    NBC News reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterated its warning on Friday that pregnant women shouldn’t travel to any of the countries where the Zika virus has spread.

    A team of Brazilian researchers who studied the Zika virus say 35 babies whose mothers were diagnosed with the virus were born with microcephaly. Microcephaly causes underdeveloped brains and heads.

    There is much left to learn about the Zika virus, but in the meantime pregnant women should definitely heed the CDC’s warning.

    Those countries where people have test positive for the Zika virus are Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, and Venezuela. Samoa, in the south Pacific, has just recently reported Zika for the first time.

    Are you pregnant? Have you discussed the Zika virus with your obstetrician?

  • Mosquito Repellents: 5 Must-Try Natural Remedies

    It never fails.

    Just as soon as the weather warms up and you’re ready to spend more time outdoors…here come the mosquitoes!

    You’re probably already calculating how much extra money you’re going to have to spend in order to keep the annoying little blood-suckers at bay.

    If you haven’t already considered it, natural mosquito repellents may be the way to go.

    Would you believe some natural insect repellents are more effective than the bug sprays you buy in stores?

    Yes, these five natural remedies are said to be the best at sending mosquitoes as far away from you as possible…and keeping yourself bite free!

    Ageratum

    Move over, Citronella! This is one underrated, but very powerful mosquito repelling plant. Some savvy gardeners have taken to planting ageratum in their yards. The plant secretes coumarin, a substance found in in many store-bought mosquito repellents.

    Warning: this is NOT something you want to put on your skin (it’s actually not recommended). Instead, it’s best to plant ageratum in a way that creates a sort of invisible protective barrier in your yard. A barrier mosquitoes will be reluctant to cross.

    Organic Soy Oil

    Apparently repellents that feature organic soy oil are just as effective at repelling your average mosquito as chemical-laden store-bought repellents.

    Imagine, saving yourself the hell of mosquito bites while also avoiding coating yourself in DEET-based substances.

    Catnip

    Cats love it, mosquitoes HATE it. The bugs hate the stuff so much that an Iowa State University study found it to be ten times more effective than DEET-based repellents at keeping mosquitoes away.

    Lotus

    The Nelumbo nucifera or lotus is a plant that takes no prisoners when it comes to mosquitoes. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine found that lotuses not only repel mosquitoes, the plant is also capable of killing their larvae.

    Mosquitos love water and the lotus is a water-based plant. If you have a pond on your property, fill it with lotuses. You should see a reduction in mosquitoes hanging around the area.

    Black Pepper

    A number of bugs simply can’t stand the smell of black pepper, and mosquitos are no exception. An essential oil made from black pepper applied topically is said to be great for keeping yourself bug-free.

    Do you have any natural remedies or homemade concoctions to help fight mosquitoes? Share below!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Battling Florida’s Mosquitoes Drones May Be Used

    Mosquitoes. Doesn’t the very word “mosquito” make you want to scratch body extremities? Efforts to control and eliminate the universally-disliked insect are reaching an unprecedented level. In the Florida Keys, considerations are being made to use drones as a means to limit the presence of mosquitoes.

    The executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, Michael Doyle, has expressed concern about the condition of mosquitoes in the area, “If you try to get across the small islands it’s back country, it’s jungle.”

    On August 26, 2013, the company responsible for creating the drones, Condor Aerial, will conduct initial aerial tests in the Florida Keys where the Maveric drone will fly over the selected location. One drone sells for $65,000, which does not include expenses needed to operate the equipment or salaries associated with flying the aircraft. These drones are only two and a half feet long, weighing at a mere two pounds, yet those responsible for operating this equipment will have to undergo additional training in order to accommodate different skill sets. Pilot training certification will be part of the job training process demanded by inspectors. Other officials involved in the process of using the equipment to maintain these widespread pests will have to complete the necessary steps in order to gain authorization for operation from the Federal Aviation Authority.

    The CEO for Condor Aerial, Fred Culbertson, speaking about the purpose of the drones said, “They’re not going to be used for surveillance.”

    The technology behind these crafts is partially utilized through thermal cameras which will indicate the specific locations where mosquitoes lay eggs.

    Michael Doyle had this to say about the technology, “What we’re looking to see is if this technology can actually see shallow water either out in the open or under mangroves, and how much land can it cover quickly so the inspectors can get out that day.”

    Since water is a necessary component in the life cycle of any mosquito, whether through stagnant water, rain water holes in trees, open pastures subject to occasional ponds, areas with melted snow, or disregarded sewage ponds, this technique may prove invaluable.