Living in Nigeria and you haven’t experienced Mosquitoes, you must let me in on your secret. Mosquitoes are the most predominant pest (vector) in West Africa especially in Nigeria with over 3,500 species. These species have been known to cause lots of diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Avian Malaria, Yellow Fever, Elephantiasis but to mention a few. The commonest of the specie is Female Anopheles Mosquito which carries the parasite Plasmodium which causes Malaria. Conservative estimates hold mosquitoes responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year and resultant deaths.
We cannot categorically state that Mosquitoes can be completely eliminated in Nigeria but there are a few steps which we will list below that can help combat these troublesome pests and keep you away from falling ill. Nevertheless, as Lagosians have finally entered the rainy seasons, you need these tips to keep you and your family free from mosquitoes, malaria and all other pests. If you missed my blog on http://broomzandpackerz.com/2019/05/30/how-to-stay-healthy-in-rainy-season/, click on the link. See the steps below:
- Personal Hygiene – Keeping your surroundings clean can never be overemphasized. This is the first and most important step. Clear out litters, clean your gutters and drainage system, cut your grasses and properly dispose off the trash. Do not store water in open containers, stagnant water is a breeding ground for Mosquitoes.
2. Invest on Mosquito Nets – As a kid, I hated using this Net because it was always hot. Unlike those days we were in boarding school and the mosquito nets were thick and one could barely breathe when you are inside one, there are now better and more fashionable ones that you should look into. Some are even treated with insecticides, but in all, they are made from polyester, odourless with no irritating effect. My advise, buy insecticide treated Nets and enjoy your sleep.
3. Use Insecticides – Insecticides are a quick, powerful way to get rid of mosquitoes around the yard, but, unfortunately, they are only temporary. The effect usually lasts only as long as the insecticide is present, so as soon as it drifts away or dries out, the mosquitoes are back. This should be used in combination with other types of mosquito control because by itself, it is not a long-term solution. Popular brands known to be effective includes Mortein, Bagon, Raid etc. Don’t forget to step out after you use an insecticide.
4. Fumigation – Pest Control such as Fumigation is the use of gaseous substances to suffocate or poison the pest within. To eliminate mosquitoes using this procedure, start by clearing gutters, and stagnant waters. Call Professionals like BroomzandPackerz
There may be other ways to combat Mosquitoes but these four enumerated above are the effective ones that I know of. If you notice I didn’t mention the use of Electronic Devices such as LED because it hasn’t been proven to repel Mosquitoes or bugs but the Zapper fly trap can if it flies close to it. Is it effective? Well, I can’t categorically say. All I can advise you if you live in Lagos, Nigeria is to do any of the four points listed above. Try not to wear a perfume before sleeping, because this attracts the Female Anopheles Mosquitoes.
I hope this helps. Don’t forget to keep your surrounding clean and continue to keep safe until this pandemic blows over. We will surely overcome. See you on the next blog.