Dengue fever: Keep your home mosquito-free with these tried-and-tested tips

Dengue fever: Use mosquito repellent coils or plug-in devices in commonly used areas of your home, like the living room or bedroom (Image: Canva)

Dengue fever, commonly known as dengue, is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. The disease is marked by high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Dengue can escalate into severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preventing mosquito bites is crucial, as there is no specific treatment for dengue. Maintaining a mosquito-free home is essential in preventing dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Here’s how you can effectively keep mosquitoes out of your home:

Remove standing water: Regularly empty and clean containers such as buckets, flower pots, and bird baths. Check and drain any standing water in bathroom pipes, kitchen sinks, and areas where water can accumulate. Ensure that tarps and covers on outdoor equipment are also free from water.

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Install screens: Fit screens on windows and doors to block mosquitoes from entering your home. Repair any holes or tears in existing screens promptly. Additionally, consider installing screens on vents and other openings where mosquitoes might enter.

Use mosquito repellents: Apply mosquito repellent creams or sprays containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Use mosquito repellent coils or plug-in devices in commonly used areas of your home, like the living room or bedroom.

Maintain cleanliness: Keep gutters, drains, and pipes clean and free of debris to prevent water accumulation. Regularly clean and disinfect areas prone to moisture, such as under sinks, and ensure that there are no hidden water sources like clogged drains.

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Set mosquito traps: Set up mosquito traps or zappers in and around your home to reduce mosquito populations. Place these devices in areas where mosquitoes are commonly found, such as near garden areas, patios, and outdoor seating spaces.