CDC Increases Zika Virus Warning in Arkansas

CDC Increases Zika Virus Warning in Arkansas

Simple steps can make your home safer from mosquitoes

nearkansas@mosqui tosquad.com JONESBORO — This week, officials the Centers for Disease Control said the U.S. threat from the mosquito- borne Zika virus is 'scarier than we initially thought.' A new CDC map of the potential spread of mosquitoes carrying Zika now includes nearly all of Arkansas.

While making your property less hospitable to mosquitoes is always a priority, it is especially important this year. While there are about 350 reported cases in the U.S. so far, that number is expected to rise as warmer seasons arrive in the South. An estimated 80 percent of people who contract Zika will never show symptoms, but the virus has proven especially dangerous to pregnant women and their newborn babies. 'While the Zika virus is putting an extra emphasis on mosquito control this year, the steps to reduce your home's risk remain the same,' Mitch Berry, President of Mosquito Squad of Northeast Arkansas, said. 'Many of the best actions to take are easily accomplished by you and your family.'

Strategies to reduce the population of mosquitos on your property are outlined in the “7 T’s of Mosquito Control”: 1. TIP – Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those in children's sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots include tarps, gutters, and flat roofs.

2. TOSS – Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from yards.

3. TURN – Turn over larger yard items that could hold water like children's portable sandboxes or plastic toys.

4. REMOVE TARPS – If tarps stretched over fire- wood piles, boats or sports equipment aren't taut, they're holding water.

5. TAKE CARE – Take care of home maintenance needs that can contribute to standing water, including cleaning out gutters and making sure downspouts are attached properly, keeping your lawn grass low, and check irrigation systems for leaking.

6. TEAM UP – Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito, and tick, control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor's home, and affect your property.

7. TREAT – Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEETcontaining bug spray on the body.

For more information from the Mosquito Squad of Northeast Arkansas or to book demonstrations, call (870) 330-7070, or e-mail nearkansas@MosquitoSquad. com.

From Mitch Berry