Florida is no stranger to mosquitoes. But, during the summer months, mosquitoes become an even bigger problem in Florida. And, now with Zika on the rise, it is more important than ever to protect your home and family from mosquitoes and their nasty bites.
Here are some tips for protecting your home and family from mosquitoes this season:
- Keep mosquitoes outside - mosquitoes can live indoors and will bite at any time day or night. Make sure to keep doors and windows shut, keep screens on all windows and use air conditioning.
- Keep babies and small children safe when outside - keep their arms, legs and heads covered. Use mosquito netting on strollers and baby carriers.
- Use EPA approved insect repellents - Do not use on babies under 2 months of age.
- Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home - Eliminate sources of water they can live in. Perform weekly inspections of your home and yard to remove any standing water that is accumulating. Common places where water accumulates includes birdbaths, toys, trash cans, wheelbarrows, tires, outside play equipment, pools, gutters, window wells, containers, drains and leaky faucets.
- Spraying insecticide does NOT eliminate all mosquitoes, including the ones that spread Zika.
- Daytime is the most dangerous time for mosquito bites - Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters, but they can also bite at night.
