Do you know that approximately 16 - 17% of communicable diseases are transmitted by vectors across the globe? These diseases spread by vectors are known as vector borne diseases and they account for more than 6,00,000 deaths around the world per annum.
CDC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention terms mosquitoes as the most common vectors responsible for spreading vector borne diseases mainly at the onset of the monsoon season in India.
Let us dig deeper to understand all about the vector borne diseases meaning. In this article, we will also throw light on tips for the prevention of vector borne diseases caused by mosquito bites.
What are Vector Borne Diseases?
Let us begin our discussion by first defining vector-borne diseases. These are diseases that are caused due to a bite of an infected cold-blooded arthropod specie like mosquitoes, bugs, blackflies, fleas, and ticks. The most common vectors to spread such infections are mosquitoes that can easily transmit pathogens from one infected person to another causing vector-borne diseases.
Common Vector Borne Diseases Caused by Mosquito Bites
Before we discuss the various ways for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases, we want you to be aware of the common vector borne diseases caused by mosquito bites. So, following are the list of vector-borne diseases that are seen at a peak especially during the rainy season:
· Dengue
· Malaria
· Zika Virus
· Chikungunya
· Yellow Fever
· West Nile Virus
So, here we begin acquainting you with the 10 most effective ways to control mosquito-borne diseases:
10 Best Mosquito Control Measures to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases
- Remove Stagnant Water
- Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
- Use Natural Mosquito Repellents
- Place Indoor Mosquito-Repellent Plants
- Maintain Proper Sanitization
- Use Mosquito Repellent Machines
- Use Mosquito Repellent Sprays and Fabric Roll-Ons
- Wear Full Length Clothes
- Stay Indoors During Mosquito Peak Hours
- Prevent Smells and Scents that Attracts Mosquitoes
1. Remove Stagnant Water
The best way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and infecting you from mosquito-borne diseases is removing the stagnant water in and around your home. Stagnant water acts as a mosquito-breeding ground so do treat it with insecticides or remove it.
2. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
This ancient method of mosquito control still works. Install mosquito screens and nets at windows to prevent these flying pests from entering your premises. These nets and screens are easily available in different sizes in the market.
3. Use Natural Mosquito Repellents
Keep mosquitoes away by using natural mosquito repellents. Safe to be used for everyone be it small children, elderly, or pets, these natural mosquito repellents can prevent mosquito bites. You may try natural ingredients like garlic, clove, neem oil, citronella, camphor, and many more to repel mosquitoes naturally.
4. Place Indoor Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Another similar way of dealing with mosquitoes and to prevent their bites is by placing indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Try placing the lemongrass, holy basic, peppermint, or citronella plant inside your home near the windows because these will repel mosquitoes with their strong smells.
5. Maintain Proper Sanitization
If you wish to prevent mosquito-borne diseases you must maintain proper sanitization inside and outside home. Get all the leaking pipes and clogged drains repaired to prevent mosquitoes from breeding around such areas. In short, do not offer moisture and water to the mosquitoes to breed in and harm you with their stings.
6. Use Mosquito Repellent Machines
The most common way trusted by several people globally to prevent the mosquito menace is a mosquito repellent machine. Available in different sizes, types, and modes, these machines claim to repel mosquitoes within a few hours of installation. Some popular mosquito repellent machines used by people across the globe are liquid vaporizers, mosquito killing bats, fly and mosquito catchers, and mosquito zappers.
7. Use Mosquito Repellent Sprays and Fabric Roll-Ons
Quite similar to the mosquito repellent machines, there are mosquito repellent sprays that offer instant results. You may even make your own homemade mosquito spray using garlic water, peppermint water, and so on. You may also try using mosquito repellent fabric roll-ons for complete mosquito protection outdoors.
8. Wear Full Length Clothes
The most successful preventive measure against mosquito borne diseases is to keep yourself covered. Try wearing full-sleeve clothes and full-length pants to minimize your body exposure for mosquitoes to bite.
9. Stay Indoors During Mosquito Peak Hours
The safest way to protect yourself from any kind of mosquito-borne disease is by staying indoors during the hours when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes are very active during the dusk and dawn, so try to stay indoors away from mosquitoes to protect yourself from their stings.
10. Prevent Smells and Scents that Attracts Mosquitoes
You may not know but the fact is that mosquitoes get attracted towards certain smells and carbon-dioxide. Try to smell less attractive to mosquitoes. Instead apply essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary to repel mosquitoes.
Conclusion
Are you reluctant to hire professionals for a mosquito control treatment and still want the best prevention and control of mosquitoes? In that case, you need to trust AutoMos – the ultimate mosquito repellent machine with an automatic mechanism.
Designed to work on 2 1.5V AA batteries, AutoMos is a mosquito repellent dispenser that emits 4 times less chemicals and still manages to keep mosquitoes away 24x7. You can easily prevent mosquito borne diseases by installing this hassle-free and easy to use mosquito repellent machine sold by HiCare.
FAQs
1. What are the most common mosquito-borne diseases in India?
The most common mosquito-borne diseases in India are malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis.
2. How can we prevent mosquito-borne diseases?
Mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented by reducing exposure to mosquitoes through measures such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing and using mosquito nets. Additionally eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed can help reduce their populations.
3. What are 3 common methods to control mosquitoes?
The three common methods to control mosquitoes are biological control, chemical control and physical control. Biological control involves introducing predators or parasites of mosquitoes to reduce their populations. Chemical control involves using pesticides to kill adult mosquitoes or their larvae. Physical control involves removing or modifying mosquito breeding sites.
4. How can we prevent dengue and malaria?
The best way to prevent dengue and malaria is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some tips:
- Wear long sleeved shirts and pants especially during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or other recommended ingredients.
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping, particularly if you are in an area with high malaria transmission.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of stagnant water around your home (e.g. in flower pots, old tires and other containers that can collect rainwater).
- Use mosquito screens on windows and doors.
- Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of dengue or malaria, such as fever, headache and body aches.
5. Are there any vaccines available for dengue and malaria?
Yes there is a vaccine available for dengue fever called Dengvaxia. However it is not recommended for everyone and should only be given to individuals who have previously had dengue. There is currently no licensed vaccine for malaria but research is ongoing to develop an effective vaccine.