10 practical tips to be mosquito-free and prevent dengue!

The mosquitoes that cause dengue can also lead to Zika. Follow these handy tips that can keep these dangerous diseases at bay.

Pavitra Sampath | Updated: February 18, 2016 9:35 am

Dengue is one of the common diseases caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes during the monsoons. Also known as ‘break bone fever’, these mosquitoes bite during the day (as against malaria, where these parasites attack during the night time). As the common breeding grounds for mosquitoes are manmade containers and stagnant water, implementing few hygiene and sanitation measures might help to prevent the disease. Read: Here is why people die because of dengue

Here are a few simple and practical tips to keep dengue at bay:

#1: Turn over empty pails and buckets, so that they do not collect excess water. If the container that contains water cannot be emptied, remember to cover it well when not in use.

#2: Remember to clean out empty flower pots and not to over water potted plants. It is advised to not have any stagnant water around as it acts as breeding ground for the mosquitoes.

#3: Apply mosquito repellents on all exposed areas, during the day as well as at night on a regular basis to prevent dengue. Here are some innovative ways to keep your home mosquito free.

#4: Make sure your window and door screens do not have any holes. If so, block those areas properly to eliminate mosquitoes.

#5: If someone at home is ill with dengue, try to not let the mosquitoes bite them or others in the house.

#6: Always sleep under a mosquito net (especially small children as they sleep during the day and hence, the chance of mosquito bite is high during this time). Know in detail how to save your baby from mosquito bites.

#7: If you use a cooler remember to empty out and clean the water tray regularly, even when not in use.

#8: Always cover your trash can or dustbin when not in use.

#9: A natural method to keep mosquitoes at bay is to plant tulsi near your window. The plant has properties that do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Read about 10 natural ways to keep your home mosquito-free.

#10: Using camphor as a repellent also works wonders. Light camphor in a room and close all the doors and windows. Leave it this way for about fifteen to twenty minutes to have a mosquito free environment.

Caused due to the bite of an infected female aedes aegypti mosquito, the disease can be fatal. Once bitten it takes about four to ten days for the symptoms to show. The most common symptoms are –

High fever,
Severe headache,
Pain behind the eyes
Nausea and vomiting
Swollen glands
Muscle and joint pain
Skin rash (in some cases)

The more severe forms of dengue are hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. There is no clear treatment for the condition nor is there a vaccine against it, so the best way is to prevent the disease from occurring at all. As dengue is a completely preventable condition, all you have to do is take a few steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are 7 complications of dengue that you ought to know.

Image Source: Getty Images

Published: February 3, 2015 10:16 am | Updated:February 18, 2016 9:35 am

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