Transmission of dengue occurs during the bite of a virus infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito and the best way to protect against this disease is to fight the mosquito, avoiding the accumulation of standing water in containers such as cups, tires, bottle caps or plants. Learn to identify the dengue mosquito by clicking here.
Dengue mosquito bites usually occur in the early morning or late afternoon, especially in the region of the legs, ankles, or feet. In addition, its sting is more common during the summer, being therefore recommended to use repellents in the body and insecticides in the house, for protection.
Caring for the Dengue Mosquito
To combat the mosquito dengue and avoid its sting, there are some precautions that can make all the difference, such as:
- Keep empty bottles or buckets face down;
- Do not leave debris in the yard or on the streets and sweep the standing water daily;
- Cover water tanks, wells or pools and keep water troughs clean;
- Place soil or sand in the dishes of the plant pots;
- Keep the garbage can properly capped and throw in the trash coconut shells, soda cans, plastic cups, bottles, packaging, etc .;
- Store tires in covered locations, away from rain. Drill holes in the bottom or delivered to the cleaning service;
- Cover the little used drains with a plastic, throwing bleach in the pipe twice a week;
- Decrease the number of dog, cat and bird drinking fountains and keep the aquarium clean and closed;
- Put protective screens on the windows and mosquito nets on the bed to sleep.
In addition, to protect yourself it is also recommended to wear repellent and long pants and closed shoes, as the dengue mosquito has a habit of pricking the feet and legs. Dengvaxia vaccine, which protects the body against this disease, is also available on the market.
These tips protect not only dengue, but also other diseases such as chinkungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus or Japanese encephalitis, which are also transmitted by mosquito bites.
Home Repellent to Prevent Dengue
A great homemade repellent to prevent dengue is clove, since its odor makes the mosquito have difficulty in identifying the odor of human skin. To prepare these homemade repellent, you will need:
Ingredients:
- 10 grams of clove;
- 500 ml of alcohol,
- 1 100 ml baby oil glass.
Method of preparation:
- Place the clove in a closed container with alcohol and let stand for 15 days indoors, out of the light. Shake the mixture 2 times a day, and after 15 days
- After the 15 days of waiting, strain the mixture and add the baby oil, shaking well.
This mixture should be applied daily to the skin and is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age and people with allergy to clove.
In addition, other plants such as Citronella, Lavender, Basil or Mint are great natural insect repellents, which can be used at home to enhance protection against the dengue mosquito. Learn more at Cultive Plants that Move Zika and Decorate the Home.
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