AMCA Mosquito Control Awareness Week Is Here! Tell Mosquitoes to 'Buzz off'

HEBRON, Ky., June 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is here along with mosquitoes, and the AMCA's National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.  "Mosquito Week" aims to educate the public about mosquitoes, the diseases they spread and preventive measures you can take to minimize their impact.

Most of the time, a mosquito bite is nothing more than a minor irritant, unless that mosquito is carrying a potentially deadly virus.  "Over the last few years, the U.S. has had increased cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile Virus and other exotic diseases such as dengue fever and Chikungunya threaten our shores," reports AMCA Technical Director Joe Conlon.

Not all mosquitoes carry diseases. However, a single bite from the right mosquito at the right time, and you're infected.  Prevention is the best protection advises Conlon. "To ensure the safety of family, friends and pets, it's extremely important to make sure you're taking the proper steps: first, reducing mosquito breeding through water management and source reduction, and second, reducing mosquito populations."

Mega-Catch™ Four-Step TRAP Program - Trap, Repel, Avoid, Prevent

Trap
In addition to being a valuable research tool, used by entomologists and mosquito control agencies worldwide, mosquito traps have become popular with homeowners wanting to rid their backyards of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Mega-Catch™ Traps provide an eco-friendly alternative to spraying.  Conventional pesticides lack longevity and effectiveness and can be harmful to the ecosystem. Mosquito traps on the other hand disrupt the breeding cycle by attracting, trapping and killing female mosquitoes. The capture of only a few mosquitoes daily can have a substantial impact on current and future mosquito populations as just one female mosquito is capable of laying up to 250 eggs at a time and as many as 3000 eggs during her lifetime.

Repel
Repellents don't kill mosquitoes and do nothing to reduce mosquito populations. However, they are effective at preventing bites and many experts consider them to be the number one weapon against mosquitoes.  The CDC recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, OLE (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) or IR3535. 

Avoid
The best way to avoid getting bitten is to avoid going outdoors during periods of peak mosquito activity – typically dawn and dusk. When outside, be sure to wear repellents and protective clothing i.e. loose-fitting, light-colored, long sleeved shirts and pants.  Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, so avoid wearing black, navy blue and red.

Prevent
Prevent mosquitoes breeding!  Do a 'water collection' inspection: empty wheel barrows, buckets, barrels, kids toys and plant dishes, in fact any and all water-collecting objects.  Clean out clogged gutters, which are one of the most often-neglected breeding sites.

This 'Mosquito Week' and every week, tell mosquitoes to 'buzz off' and make your backyard a safer, more enjoyable place over summer.

For more information on National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org.

About EnviroSafe Technologies

EnviroSafe Technologies developed one of the first environmentally friendly mosquito traps.  Mega-Catch™ mosquito traps are safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly, and don't require the use of harmful pesticides, fogs or sprays to kill mosquitoes.

Contact:
Heather Bradbury
+649 416 1160

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SOURCE EnviroSafe Technologies