FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
Monday, June 16, 2008 Yarissa Reyes
(856) 642-4420
yreyes@ahint.com
Tired of those pesky mosquitoes? The American Mosquito Control Association Has Tips for You
AMCA Celebrates National Mosquito Control Awareness Week June 22-28, 2008
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. – If mosquitoes and other insects are taking a bite out of your summer fun, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has tips to keep those pesky intruders under control.
Always remember the three D’s of protection from mosquitoes:
- Drain – Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house.
- Dress – Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Some of the 176 mosquito species are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
- Defend – Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.
For other summer mosquito safety tips, visit the AMCA Web site, www.mosquito.org.
About National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
AMCA has declared the week of June 22 – 28 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2008. Now in its twelfth year, AMCA’s “Mosquito Week” educates the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States and worldwide.
Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism, with more than one million people dying from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to.
To raise awareness of the association and the work of mosquito control professionals in the eye of the public, Gary Clark, former president of AMCA, drafted a resolution in 1997 calling for “Mosquito Week.” National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is observed annually in June, the week which includes June 26 in honor of the founding of AMCA in 1935.
While nationally observed, the scope of activities for “Mosquito Week” is determined by local agencies based on need of the community. Displays, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs for children are just a few of the events which will focus on mosquitoes as disease carriers and pests. Information on the mosquito life cycle and tips on how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around homes will help citizens reduce the numbers of mosquitoes in their own neighborhoods.
AMCA is proud to sponsor National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, and encourages citizens to get involved during “Mosquito Week.” For information about mosquitoes or to find out about a mosquito control association or district near you, visit the AMCA Web site, www.mosquito.org.
About AMCA
The American Mosquito Control Association is an international, scientific association of more than 1,600 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control. Founded in 1935, membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.
For more information about AMCA or National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, contact: 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel N.J. 08054; phone: 856-439-9222; fax: 856-439-0525; email: amca@mosquito.org or visit the Web site at www.mosquito.org.
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Editors Note: AMCA technical advisor Joseph Conlon is available for interviews. Please call 904-215-3008 or email amcata@bellsouth.net.