Protecting Our Children From Mosquitoes

How many times have you been lying in bed, turn off the light and then suddenly you hear that dreadful noise, buzzing sound zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.


Mosquito flying above your head, dive bombing at you waiting to suck up your blood. You turn on the light, nothing, cannot see the mosquito anywhere, can’t find it, so off goes the light and there it is again that terrible sound, annoying sound that will send you into a frenzy until you can destroy it.



This year has been exceptional for breeding, conditions have been perfect, mainly temperature. Taking up to two weeks to reach adulthood and if not controlled, there can be millions within weeks.

Carrying many diseases, Dengue Fever, Ross River Fever, Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Malaria.



Mosquitoes can ruin an outdoor event, like the backyard barbeque which is a big part of every family’s way of life and make this occasion very unpleasant. Keeping ourselves and our children safe from any disease can be a nightmare. Here are some tips to help survive the mosquito season:



Breeding areas for mosquitoes-clean up or spray.

Bases of pot plants

Old tyres, tins and any rubbish that will hold water.

Stagnant water- children’s wading pools, bird baths and pools of water from heavy rain.

Boats

Swimming Pools need to be salted or chlorinated. Otherwise they should be totally drained from water if not in use for long periods of time.

Dog bowls should be changed every week.

Protecting ourselves and our children-

Wearing loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants, not tight clothing because mosquitoes will bite straight through the material.

Choose light coloured clothes, tend to like dark colours.

Try not to be outside early morning or just on dusk.

Use repellent containing at least 20% Deet or Picaridin(not on Children). For children spray inside of prams with a mixture of baby oil and a few drops of tea tree oil. Ask your chemist what is best for using on children.

Use screens when camping or place nets over beds for extra protection.

Knockdown sprays should be used inside the home.

I have also heard that using dettol, water and glycerine can be effective. (use eucalyptus oil if no dettol

Protecting our family is very important. By keeping mosquito numbers down, life as we know it, can still be enjoyed.