Published: July 7, 2015
By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When you consider the phrase “killer creatures” your mind
most likely automatically turns to those creepy crawlers and vicious attackers
of the animal kingdom such as snakes, sharks and other wild animals. You may be
shocked to discover that the world’s deadliest creature is actually an insect.
Mosquitoes kill more people world wild than sharks, wolves, lions, elephants,
hippopotamuses, crocodiles, dogs, tape and round worms, freshwater snails,
assassin bugs, Tsetse flies, snakes and humans combined! After adding together
the reported number of fatalities from the animals listed above it came out to
586,220 deaths which is still 138,780 less than the astonishing 725,000 deaths
from mosquitoes on a yearly basis.
Not every mosquito is a cold blooded killer, just the ones
carrying infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus and Malaria. To put you at
ease, Indiana cases of Malaria and the West Nile Virus are quite rare.
According to the Indiana Epidemiology Report zero cases of Malaria were
reported within the state last year. As far as the West Nile Virus is
concerned, the United States Geological Survey Disease Map states that only ten
cases were reported overall in 2014. However, even when they aren’t carrying
diseases these bugs can still be quite a nuisance, this is why it’s best to be
as prepared as possible to avoid being bitten and potentially exposed to a
deadly disease.
When it comes to a mosquito’s ideal location, the wetter the
better. To reduce the likelihood of these bloodsuckers infiltrating your home
and yard do your best to dry up any standing water. Clean your gutters and
eliminate any areas where they would be likely to breed such as old tires,
empty flower pots and puddles and ponds with stagnant water. Keep grass and
shrubbery properly maintained because adult mosquitoes can use unkempt lawns as
hiding spots during the day.
Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, avoid going
out then if at all possible. Wear long sleeves and pants if venturing out
during those times. Apply bug spray containing DEET to yourself and family
members to keep from getting bitten. Burning Tiki-Torches or candles and oils
with citronella, peppermint, tea tree, lemongrass or eucalyptus can help keep
areas insect free. Applying those essential oils to your skin can also work as
a natural repellent.
If you can’t avoid the dreaded bug-bite here are few tips to
help you deal with the itchy new additions. First off, don’t scratch!
Scratching will only further irritate the bite and can cause a greater risk for
infection. Treat your bite as soon as you see it sprout up, clean it with
rubbing alcohol and then apply an antihistamine lotion or cream.
Other less conventional methods include using toothpaste,
deodorant and mouth wash to dry up the bite and leave you itch free. Using ice
on your bug bite can help reduce swelling and cool the area down. Hot baths
with the addition of oatmeal, salt or cider vinegar can also serve as a
temporary way to sooth itchy skin. Click here to find more methods to
keep your summer as itch-free as it possibly can be!
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