The Fight Against Mosquitoes Across The World Winnipeg has long been Canada's mosquito capital, but Edmonton is giving it a run for its money this year. These days, mosquito traps in Edmonton are catching five times more mosquitoes that those in Winnipeg. Rainy periods followed by warm weather are responsible for the colossal increase in the number of these annoying insects. Inhabitants of Edmonton are asking for a substantial increase in the budget to combat the mosquito populace which can carry West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus delivers indications similar to a severe bout of flu, but older and younger victims have passed away from epidemics. County health officials are considering spraying public fields before official public festivals to reduce the rate of biting. On the other side of the world, in Sidney, Australia, the parks department has also begun its anti-mosquito spraying program and residents are invited to call in to be added to a 'no spray' list, if they fear the toxicity of the insect spray. It is considered that most individuals will prefer having their block and backyard sprayed as the numbers of mosquitoes are rising there as well. However, the spraying plan has always proved a success in the past and will like continue to be so. This year it will be supplemented by poisoning ponds and lakes with larvacide, which is a more helpful kind of control adding fish to the ponds that eat mosquito larvae would be an even better manner. The tablets are called Altosid and last for 30 days, although they are also thinking about using XR which works for 150 days. West Nile Virus is also a problem in Sidney, although there have not been any known cases yet. This means nothing though as most people who get WNF think that they have a summer cold. The city health authorities say that they are continuing to trap mosquitoes and carry out autopsies on dead birds to get an early notification of a possible WNV epidemic. The city health division is warning all those over 50 years of age and those with a weakened immune system to take extra care by using a repellent including DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin and by wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts at dusk and at dawn. They are also suggesting doing fundamental maintenance and repairs around the home and garden. In particular, fly screens should be repaired and all stagnant water should be drained. They recommend drilling holes in any old tyres and containers that can retain water, because mosquitoes only need a half inch of water to breed. In the meantime, in the States, anti-mosquito action is also being pursued. It appears that wherever you go in the world, the local authorities are attempting to do something about the number of mosquitoes. Do they know something that we don't? Like in Sidney and Edmonton, they too are worried about the Developed world Nile Infection which appears to have people running afraid all over the world.
In Jacksonville, they are also recommending that people remove the mosquito's breeding grounds from gardens and waste ground by up-turning any container that could hold water after rainfall. They also advocate unblocking drains and gutters. They caution about keeping your animals safe from Eastern Equine Encephalitis during dawn and dusk and keeping yourself protected by wearing long clothing at dawn and dusk. Finally, they say to put DEET on all bare areas of skin. Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on more than a few topics, but is presently concerned with finding natural remedies for mosquito bites. If you want to know more, please go to our website at Getting Rid of Mosquito Bites.