The West Nile Virus appeared in the US in 1999, although it was already prevalent in Africa, the Middle East and in West Asia. After its appearance was identified, forty-eight of the mainland states were also reported as being impacted by the virus. Even though some people who have the virus may show no symptoms at all, others who are affected can develop life threatening symptoms and illnesses. To stay safe from West Nile virus, there are some things that each individual should be aware of. Here’s some prevention and awareness information.

Factors that Increase the Risks of Being Infected

The risk of infection increases during a specific time of the year. Most cases that were reported in the United States occurred during the months of June through September. According to the Mayo Clinic, the geographic region plays a large role in the incidents of risks. Although the virus has been reported in most states, the Midwestern and Western states have the highest rates. In addition to the time of the year and the geographic location, the amount of time that an individual spends on the outside will also increase the risks of being bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus. 

Avoiding Risks Factors

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Let’s face it. Sometimes, there will be accounts or jobs that our judgments as professionals will be tested. One such example is treating a home with bed bugs and house pest infestation with tenants who are asthmatic. Asthma is a sensitive illness. It can be easily triggered by any abnormality and particles in the air. The common thought would be to not use insecticides because those with asthma will surely be affected. Surely, you wouldn’t want to treat a bed bug infestation and an asthma attack at the same time, do you? KEEP READING

Homes could always be prone to fleas, especially those with pets at home. But in case your house does not invite any animals indoors, still, you could possibly get infested with fleas and you’ll never know when they go barging into your house and suddenly infest you humble abode.  There have been several instances where customers have complained about a constant coming and going of fleas, even though they don’t even have pets! Once they thought the fleas have all perished after some pesticide treatment, but after just a few months they’re back infesting the house once more.  What could have gone wrong this time and where do these pests sprout from if there are no mammals to bring them inside? KEEP READING

The use of IGRs have been quite helpful in controlling insects. IGR, or the insect growth regulator, has proven immediate effect on the lingering presence of some of the most pesky insect pests in homes. The question is, is the insect growth regulator effective at preventing growth on flea eggs, larvae or pupae or other insects? Many people also ask if it will kill the insect or how does it really effect each stage of development in the insect. KEEP READING

No matter how clean a house seems or how regularly the house is being swept and treated, there can never be any assurance that your home is safe from bugs, mites and other pests.

The common complaint heard from eco-friendly homes or houses that uses a lot of wood is that termites and their young suddenly emerge out of nowhere after some years of establishing their home. Other pests like bed bugs, dust mites and fleas also come rushing in without the owners knowing where they simply pop out from.

One might experience intense itching and pin pricking bites while sitting in a warm, cozy corner in one afternoon. There are no mosquitoes around or any visible insects about the place that might have caused the bites. Usually with this kind of experience, most people conclude that there are bed bugs and ticks in the sofa or in that corner of the house.  They immediately call for the Pest Control Department who will spray just to give the service the customer demands without having to find out what type of pest causes the bites.  This practice is in fact considered illegal by law and no pesticide should be sprayed without the correct diagnostics and identification of the infestation (if there even is one). KEEP READING