Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you must be aware that there is a very serious dengue pandemic that is rocking Pakistan at the moment. This serves as a serious problem due to the fact that urban flooding, weak infrastructure and high costs of medical attention and treatment are preventing many people from being able to fend off this possibly fatal disease.
In order to keep you as safe as possible, we have outlined 6 steps you can take in order to avoid mosquito bites which you can apply to yourself and to others. Read below for more!
Dump Out Any Standing Water
Mosquitoes can breed in under 14 days above any still water so if you have ponds, fountains or bird baths – it might be high time to remove their access to these water bodies at least till the dengue season is over. The same should apply to any standing water within the 4 walls of your house as well. Next time you have a glass of water on your bedside table, simply place a cover over this.
Keep Mosquitos Outside
In areas where the dengue situation is worse, we suggest having some sort of protective screen covering the windows through which the mosquitoes must be entering. You can also use a protective cover over yourself and your bed when sleeping, as this is when you may be most vulnerable to a bite.
Use Mosquito Repellent
Off for Kids has become our go-to during the past couple of weeks. This simple and less abrasive formula is perfect for rubbing down quickly on your hands and feet when you’re about to step out and run chores at any time of the day.
Wear Lighter Colours
Apparently, deep colors — like black, deep blue and red — stand out so they attract bugs. Thicker fabrics and looser fits offer more protection than thin clothing that fits tightly. You must have heard this one from your grandparents many times, and we fully recommend it. Better safe than sorry.
Stay Indoors During Dusk and Dawn
The break of dawn and maghreb are the most notable time periods during which you will become susceptible to a mosquito bite. Avoid being outside at these times, and if you must, ensure you are using an appropriate insect repellent to avoid contracting dengue for as long as possible.
Try a Natural Repellent
For those of you, who are opposed to Mortein for some very valid reasons, try using spritzes of 2 parts water, mixed in with 1 part lavender in all the corners of your home. This simple recipe has been known to work as well as any chemical formula and is better for your health and skin than something coming out of aerosol can.
