Protect Yourself From The Zika Virus

Mosquito Barrier

“Does Mosquito Barrier work?” If you’re asking yourself this question, then you’ve more than likely decided that you have a mosquito problem at your home or place of work. Before you purchase an over-the-counter product, or hire just any pest control company, keep in mind that Mosquito Barrier comes in a concentrated strength, and can be exceedingly difficult to use in a 100% effective manner. With global outbreaks like the Zika virus posing a potential and very real threat – not to mention the everyday annoyance of being swarmed by mosquitoes outside of your own home – it is important to understand all of your options before treating your property for mosquitoes.

The Zika Virus and Protecting Yourself from Mosquitoes

The Zika virus has been getting a lot of news coverage lately, and with good reason. The virus is currently spreading through South America, with many cases reported in Brazil, in particular. It is contracted if bit by a mosquito of the Aedes species, though only 1 in 5 bitten are infected by the virus. Symptoms may include rash, fever, joint pain, and red eyes. Most cases do not require hospitalization. However, the most dangerous effects of the Zika virus apply to newborn babies, and pregnant mothers who are infected with the virus. Zika causes microcephaly, a birth defect of the brain that can result in a much smaller brain size in babies when compared to other infants of the same age and weight. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should take extra precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, such as wearing clothing that covers the extremities, using insect repellent, and using mosquito barrier products to protect their homes.

What’s in a Mosquito Barrier?

To begin with, almost every hardware store has their own brand of mosquito repellent. The majority of these products come in the form of a spray, and some are loaded with chemicals while others contain only natural ingredients. If you’re looking at a “natural” mosquito barrier product, the main ingredient is most likely garlic. For generations, farmers have been spraying the borders of their crops with a potent garlic spray; garlic contains a Sulphur that naturally repels mosquitoes and other flying pests. Today’s garlic-based repellent products contain a garlic that is much more potent than the garlic that we eat. Some companies also add in lemon grass and mint to further strengthen their formula. From this “super-garlic” a liquid extract is made, and this is what is sprayed on your property to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other nasty insects at bay.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

No matter what ingredients make up your mosquito repellent product, it is not enough to just spray your property with these liquid solutions. Pest control professionals, like the experts at R. Dana Pest Control, have studied the way mosquitoes live and breed. Knowing how to apply these mosquito repellents is just as important, if not more important, than purchasing the right type of barrier spray. If you don’t know where to spray, and which areas require special attention, then you’re most likely leaving a gap in your barrier that mosquitoes and other pests will eventually break through. If you’re even the least bit concerned that you may not know how to properly protect your property – call a pest control specialist at R. Dana Pest Control. We’ll talk you through the process, and if we deem it necessary, we’ll send a specialist to your location to apply a mosquito barrier, and help you pinpoint possible mosquito breeding areas on your property.