KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - MOSQUITO DANGER!!!
We are at that time of year that
mosquitoes are at their worst. Combine all the rain we've had with summer heat and this becomes prime birthing situations for millions of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes containing
West Nile Virus have been detected in the Chicago area. We don't often think of the danger West Nile represents. It can act susceptibility wise like salmonella. If you are a healthy adult chances are you will come through the disease unscathed. But if your health or immune-system is compromised the end could be deadly!! The elderly are especially vulnerable.
Every time we go outside we need to use insect repellant. Even sitting on the back porch or deck can pose a risk. The early morning and evening are especially bad times for mosquitoes. The new insect repellants are a vast improvement over the smelly and sticky sprays and lotions of the past. Check out all the new varieties at your neighborhood drugstore. There is even one brand that combines insect repellant with sunscreen! Talk about killing two bugs with one stone. (ha! ha!)
The best thing you can do is prevent bugs in your yard. Never allow standing water to linger anywhere on your property. This is a prime place for mosquitoes to breed. Even small puddles or excess water from flower pots can be a problem. One place we need to keep water is in our bird baths. Our feathered friends lack water more than even food. As long as you change the water every other day you should be safe.
Taking simple precautions can significantly lower our risk of West Nile. You may also be helping a loved one or neighbor. Have a great summer and God Bless America!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
