3 Ways to Keep Your Workforce Safe From the Zika Virus
Warnings about the Zika Virus are spreading as fast as, well, the Zika Virus. Our pesky little friend, the mosquito, is the culprit behind spreading this troubling disease. The Zika Virus has invaded our neighbors to the south and is heading our way. And while we haven’t yet seen a full blown assault on the entire U.S. it’s clear we need to be proactive.
According to the CDC, there have been 35 reported cases of travel-associated Zika Virus as of Feb 3rd, 2016.
It’s the potential tip of the bloody iceberg.
In order to best help prevent the spread of this awful disease, it’s important we all do our part. Here are 3 ways you can help keep your workers and your land free of mosquitoes and free of the Zika Virus.
Defend Your Workforce
Ensure that your employees are armed with chemical mosquito deterrents. Keep mosquito spray in their trucks and on site. Train your employees to cover exposed skin and use according to directions as they’re out and about. This is especially true when working in untreated areas where water could collect unseen.
There are many brands to choose from that are made with and without DEET. So how do you choose? We found a recent study by Consumer Reports where they tested several brands of mosquito repellent and here’s what they recommend:
With DEET
Choose something with at least 15% DEET, but no more than 30%, as there doesn’t seem to be any noticeable benefit for going above 30%. They recommend Repel Scented Family with 15% DEET and OFF! Deep Woods VIII with 25% DEET.
Without DEET
While the FDA has cleared the use of DEET several times there are still those who look for alternatives. Consumer Reports was able to find a few DEET alternative mosquito deterrents that work.
The two active ingredients they found most effective were Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. Again, there are guidelines for how much potency you need for these products to work. Look for products with 20% Picaridin or 30% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. They recommend Sawyer Picaridin with 20% Picaridin or Repel Lemon Eucalyptus with 30% oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Clear Out Any Standing Water
Mosquitos use standing water as their breeding ground. And it doesn’t take a lot of water to provide a haven for the nasty little devils.
As little as one bottle cap full of standing water is enough to lay eggs and produce larvae.
Look for old tires, abandoned coolers, and trash (cups and soda cans) that can be properly disposed of and cleared out. Check around sheds, buildings, rain gutters, and other nooks and crannies.
Mosquitoes breed quickly and can infect an area in a very short amount of time. Don’t help them out by ignoring pools of water and trash in and around your land.
Treat Your Land and Work Areas
Mosquito fogging your work areas, such as right-of-way and aquatic land, provides a better safety net for your workforce. Our experts know how to locate breeding ground and spray areas strategically to deter mosquitoes from invading and infecting your workplace.
The Zika Virus, and other blood-borne diseases carried by mosquitos, can be transmitted from one infected employee to others when a few mosquitos are allowed open range on exposed skin. As they feed off one person and move to the next the risks for transmission grow.
We highly recommend using all tactics in tandem. Warding off mosquitoes and infections is important in helping to prevent the spread of the Zika Virus as well as other blood-borne diseases.
Contact us today to find out more about our mosquito fogging services.