No West Nile Virus Yet -- How to Protect From Mosquito Illnesses

Milwaukee, Wis. (August 15, 2021) -- It’s not a very pretty thought, a mosquito injecting its saliva into your skin. But that’s what makes a mosquito bite itch. What’s worse, West Nile virus (WNV) can be transmitted through a mosquito bite and is the leading cause of diseases from mosquitoes in the U.S.

“Several West Nile Virus cases are confirmed each year in Wisconsin,” explains Janelle Iaccino, a bug expert with Rose Pest Solutions, www.rosepestcontrol.com. None have been confirmed yet, but it usually happens right about now," she added.

“Bug spray can be annoying but if you’re going outside, it’s the best way to help ensure that you’re not getting bitten by these summer biters,” Iaccino said.

Using and applying the right repellent the right way can spell the difference between a couple of hours of bug spray smell or several days of itching. Seems like an easy choice to make but just about everyone gets mosquito bites each season. Most are benign but some mosquitos do pass on dangerous diseases like West Nile that can be avoided with bug spray.

This is the 20th anniversary of the first reported case of West Nile in Wisconsin. Last year, five cases were confirmed.

The good news is that certain bug sprays do work as do abatement programs like those offered by Rose Pest Control, the only family owned pest control business in the area.

“A lot of us don’t understand that there is a right way to apply bug spray and that not all bug sprays are alike,” Iaccino says. The most important thing is to be religious about applying it every time you are outside,” she added.

Parents should apply for their children. None should be used on children under two months of age.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides great information on bite prevention and repellants: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mosquito/bite-prevention.htm

How you can help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home:

· Since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, etc., be sure to empty them daily. They can even breed in something as small as the cap of a water bottle.

· Dead animals/birds can tell you a lot about the environment you’re living in. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that some infected birds get sick and die from West Nile – especially crows and blue jays.

· If you are disposing of a dead bird, be sure to use gloves or bags to protect your hands when placing in a garbage bag. Contact the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services officeExternal at 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297) for additional information.

· There’s a proper way to apply insect repellent:

About Rose Pest Solutions, LLC

Since 1860, Rose Pest Solutions has been trusted in the Midwest to keep homes and businesses free from insects, rodents and more. Using cutting-edge technology, environmentally friendly methods, and personalized unique solutions, Rose and its sister company Franklin Pest Solutions are dedicated to creating and maintaining healthier living environments. Owned by the Dold Family, Rose Pest Solutions proudly serves communities in all of Chicagoland, the Greater Milwaukee area, the Greater Rockford region and South Central Wisconsin Franklin Pest Solutions proudly serves Indiana and Kentucky. For more information, see www.rosepestcontrol.com and www.franklinpestsolutions.com

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