#RainyDayGoals: A Mosquito-Free Environment

This month, Discovery will use its global reach to focus the world’s attention on the single greatest agent of death in modern human history:  the mosquito. The global crisis is highlighted in the worldwide premiere of the upcoming Discovery Impact film MOSQUITO, Thursday, July 6th at 9:50pm, on Discovery Channel and Discovery Networks around the world. 

In the Philippines, the rainy season has officially started and as much as we enjoy the cold weather, the wet season poses a potential threat in the form of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease which is usually seen during the rainy season. What could be seen as a minor bite from this tiny creature can be more fatal than we think.

Recent news coverage around the globe has highlighted individual outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Malaria, West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, and Dengue. But there are still some safety measures we can take to stay healthy and make our homes clean, safe and mosquito-free:

•           Dispose water regularly

Mosquitoes breed in standing water so find time to clean up your area and eliminate stagnant water inside and around the house. Clean containers that could possibly be a breeding nest for mosquitoes such as vases, pots, and basins.

•           Apply mosquito repellent

Always remember that the most effective mosquito repellents are those applied to the skin other than the arm bands, necklace and strips you can attach to the body. Be protected by wearing good mosquito repellents especially when you go out of the house.

•           Wear proper clothing

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants especially when travelling or going out of town. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes as disease-carrying mosquitoes are able to bite through this type of clothing.

•           Watch your scent

Mosquitoes are attracted to old sweat, and not the fresh and odorless one that our body produces after exercising. Sweat begins to smell when mixed with bacteria, which creates some chemical compounds that entices mosquitoes.

•           Keep yourself away from dirty water

Avoid getting near clogged gutters and flooded areas as these are commonly present during the rainy season.

•           Plant mosquito-repellent herbs in your garden

Best to place plants like basil, citronella, lemon balm, and garlic in your garden. It will not just beautify your home but also keep the family away from mosquitoes as these plants drive mosquitoes away because of their smell.

•           Spray good insecticides

Keep the neighborhood mosquito-free by spraying insecticides in the dark corners of the house. As much as possible try to spray insect repellent during daytime and use water-based sprays which are safe to humans and toxic-free.