Dengue fever is unfortunately synonymous with the rainy season in the Philippines, and as much as a home must be protected from the rain, it must also be protected from mosquitoes that carry the virus
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever infects an estimated 390 million people annually. The Philippines alone reported 169,000 cases in 2015, which was an increase of almost 60 percent from 2014.
The mosquito species (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) that carry the dengue virus thrive and propagate in stagnant water, and as the rainy season is once again upon us, it is important to make sure that no part of our homes accidentally become breeding grounds for these unwanted guests. Indeed, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” applies to dengue fever prevention, and like with almost anything, this begins at home.
Apart from dengue, the mosquito species A. aegypti and A. albopictus can also transmit chikungunya, yellow fever, and the Zika virus. These mosquitoes can breed in even a small amount of stagnant water, even as small as a 25-centavo coin, so keeping your home dry is a key part of dengue-proofing.
1. Check and Repair Roofs, Gutters, Doors, and Windows
Make sure that your home’s roof, gutters, doors, and windows are fully functional. This not only ensures that you and your family have adequate protection from the rain, it also eliminates the chances of water entering and settling in any part of the property.
2. Eliminate Areas Where Water Can Stagnate
If you have to store water in drums or pails, make sure they are completely covered. Keep pots, watering cans, and tabo (dippers) turned over or stored in a dry place when not in use. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it is being cleaned regularly.
In addition, make sure that trash bins, particularly those placed outside, do not collect water and that they are emptied regularly, as the dengue-carrying mosquitos are also known to thrive in waste or garbage with even the slightest moisture. Get rid of old tires as they often get filled with rainwater.
3. Plant Well
If you keep indoor plants, replace the water in vases regularly and clean the vase each time you replace the water. Pot plates should also be scrubbed to remove any deposited mosquito eggs, or better yet, do not use them at all. If you own a garden, be sure to loosen up the top soil every once in a while to prevent water from accumulating on the surface.
In addition, plants like citronella, basil, horsemint or bee balm, marigolds, ageratum, and catnip are known to have mosquito-repellant properties, so consider planting these.
4. Use Light-colored Curtains, Bedding, and Furnishing Covers
As mosquitos are attracted to heat, it is recommended that you wear light-colored clothes to dissuade these dengue vectors from flying close to you. You may also do the same with your home by decorating it with light-colored furnishings. You can start with light-colored curtains and blinds so that the heat from inside your home is not radiated to the outside, and move on to your bedding and furnishings to complete the look.
5. Install Window and Door Screens
Installing window and door screens may be a bit costly, but they are very effective in keeping mosquitoes from entering your home. The good news is that screens, especially those made from sturdy materials like metal mesh wires, last a long time so they are definitely a good investment. However, make sure that you vacuum them regularly as they tend to collect dust.
6. Scent the Air with Citronella
If you enjoy using home scents, choose those that include citronella. For a more organic alternative, light up citronella-scented candles instead. This scent is non-toxic and naturally wards off mosquitos. If you cannot find citronella-based scents, use alternatives such as horsemint or bee balm, marigolds, and ageratum.
7. Fumigate
If you have taken all the necessary steps to dengue-proof your home and still find mosquitoes buzzing around, you may want to consider fumigation to truly get rid of them. Residential neighborhoods are teeming with places where these pests can thrive, especially those outside your property, so fumigation may indeed be an effective way to eliminate mosquitoes once and for all.
8. Stock up on Supplies
It is good to be ready for mosquitoes, so stock up on mosquito-repelling lotions and body sprays. Check out products that contain diethyltoluamide or DEET, a compound that is known to be effective in repelling insects. However, these products should not be used too frequently in young children due to possible toxicity, so make sure that kids are also adequately protected from mosquito bites by dressing them in long-sleeved shirts and pajamas as much as possible.
9. Install a Bug Zapper
Mosquito lights or bug zappers are a good defense against mosquitoes and other insects. These devices emit a light that attracts flying bugs, getting them to come close and then burning or electrocuting them. While quite expensive, a bug zapper is a good choice for homes containing a number of residents, especially in homes with pregnant women and children.
Source: www.lamudi.com.ph
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