Since last year, the Zika virus has been making headlines across the country, and while its effects aren't as widespread as it was once feared they might be, it's still important to take precautions about the virus when visiting warmer climates. As autumn arrives, mosquito populations are bound to decrease, though in some parts of North America, the insects will never go away for long. Here's what you need to know about Zika as the season changes:
Pesticide use in Florida
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 43 confirmed cases of locally acquired Zika virus. Thus far, Florida is the only state with locally acquired cases, which means those visiting the state should take extra precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes. Most cases of Zika in Florida have come from the area around Miami beach. In response, the local government has been employing an aerial campaign of pesticides to reduce populations of potentially infected mosquitoes.
Travelers to Miami have been encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants to limit skin exposure. Likewise, it's important to wear insect repellant with DEET.
Symptoms of Zika virus
The symptoms of Zika virus are similar to those of other common viruses, meaning that those infected with Zika may not even know they have it. According to the CDC, common symptoms include red eyes, fever, joint pain, rashes and headaches. Symptoms typically last for a week before dissipating and rarely require medical treatment. If you're visiting an area known to have Zika infected mosquitoes and you experience these symptoms, it's still a good idea to visit a doctor.
Zika transmission
The main way Zika is transmitted to humans is via mosquito bite. Thus far, very few species of North American mosquitoes carry Zika. Those that do are so far confined to southern Florida and the Caribbean. The World Health Organization reported that Zika virus may be transmitted via sexual contact and it's possible that blood transfusions may also pose a risk.
Zika virus and infants
While the virus doesn't pose much threat to healthy adults, pregnant women and their children may be at a great risk of experiencing health problems. Unborn children whose mothers contract the virus are at an increased risk of brain damage, including a condition known as microcephaly, a condition that causes the size of the head to be much smaller than normal. Instances of microcephaly have been documented in South American countries such as Brazil, reported the New York Times.
If you live in a region with cold autumn and winter weather, chances are you won't have to worry much about the Zika Virus. However, precautions should be taken when traveling to areas with known cases of the virus. Pregnant women should be especially wary of traveling to those regions and should even consider delaying any travel plans until after the birth of their child.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
