With the Zika invasion constantly hogging the headlines, the mosquito repellents, patches and just about anything that promises to keep mosquitoes away are flying off the shelves as soon as they get restocked. Still, there is no need to panic, as there are other ways to keep mosquitoes away.
The usual
advice to deal with dengue fever such as disposing stagnant water and not
allowing water to accumulate has been repeatedly beaten into our ears and eyes
through various media, and I've published an article about preventing water stagnation in ponds, which you can read to rehash your memory. Perhaps you
might be wondering if there are more direct methods to protect yourself from
the clutches of Dengue fever like jabs and such.
Keep them out of your house physically.
Keep them out of your house physically.
Placing mosquito screens on your doors and windows can
discourage mosquitoes from entering your house.
If you don’t have air-conditioning, sleep under a mosquito
net. These days, there are nice, simple ones for sale that will fit many bed
sizes. You can get them from Ikea, Kiddy
Palace and online via popular marketplace Qoo10.sg
Be sure to
check for holes regularly. The net should also extend over a large space.
Ensure that no part of your body touches the net as the mosquito can then still
put is deadly sting through the tiny pores of the net.
Take note of mosquito activity times
Mosquitoes
tend
to be more active at dawn, dusk and early evening. Avoid going to
places which are excellent breeding grounds of mosquitoes, that are
humid, wet and warm. If you can’t then, take more precautions, such as
using insect
repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothes and long pants.
Stay cool
Mosquitoes
are attracted to warm bodies, so avoid wearing heavy, dark clothing in warm
weather. Long sleeved clothes and long pants are still encouraged, but wear
them in light colours. Also use the fan and air-conditioning where possible.
Report ponding and probable mosquito breeding grounds in the vicinity
Property officers are undoubtedly stepping up on estate maintenance and cleanliness, but considering that they aren't walking around your estate 24/7, don't take them for granted. Contact your respective Town Councils or NEA as soon as you spot possible mosquito breeding grounds in your estate.
Pay attention to the news
MP of Nee Soon South Dr Lee Bee Wah recently pointed out in a news interview that the amount of awareness was unsatisfactory; when she conducted house visits. Some residents confess they have no idea what Dengue and Zika are. There is only so much that NEA officers can do to spread information, short of knocking on your doors on a day to day visit. Keep up with the news, talk to the neighbours for up-to-date information and advice. Help to educate and inform elderly/illiterate relatives, family members and loved ones. The recent spread of Zika clusters prove that the disease knows no borders, and regardless of the precautions you take, they will come to naught if your neighbours do not adopt the same precautions.
Report ponding and probable mosquito breeding grounds in the vicinity
Property officers are undoubtedly stepping up on estate maintenance and cleanliness, but considering that they aren't walking around your estate 24/7, don't take them for granted. Contact your respective Town Councils or NEA as soon as you spot possible mosquito breeding grounds in your estate.
Pay attention to the news
MP of Nee Soon South Dr Lee Bee Wah recently pointed out in a news interview that the amount of awareness was unsatisfactory; when she conducted house visits. Some residents confess they have no idea what Dengue and Zika are. There is only so much that NEA officers can do to spread information, short of knocking on your doors on a day to day visit. Keep up with the news, talk to the neighbours for up-to-date information and advice. Help to educate and inform elderly/illiterate relatives, family members and loved ones. The recent spread of Zika clusters prove that the disease knows no borders, and regardless of the precautions you take, they will come to naught if your neighbours do not adopt the same precautions.
Mosquito repellent
If you have been lucky to procure mosquito repellent, be sure to follow the given instructions, or you may render it harmless or cause harm to your health.
Spray or
apply the repellent to exposed body parts. It usually does not work so well under clothing as the cloth forms a barrier that inhibits the smell from the repellent which is what keeps the mozzies away. Rarely are mosquitoes able to penetrate clothing so you do not have to worry. But if you are kiasi, you can spray repellent on your clothes. Just be wary that the chemicals in the repellent may not react well with certain types of fabric and ruin your clothes consequently.
Some insect repellents may not be suitable for children and babies, so be sure to read the
instructions or consult the doctor before use. Insect repellents do contain
toxic items, so be sure to use sparingly and as directed, and make sure it is
not applied where you may accidentally swallow it.
In
addition, don’t forget to reapply the repellent every few hours, in accordance
to instructions of usage provided, as many repellents do not offer full-day
protection.
Do not
apply insect repellent to open-wounds; you may cause an infection.
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