Mosquitoes -The Most Unwanted Guest In The Campground

Mosquitoes are no stranger to the wooded areas like a campground. They feed on fruit and flowers to keep up their energy level. With over 100 different kinds in the world, you can find several species in one campground.

Body temperature seems to attract them to feed. Be sure to use insect repellant whenever you are in the woods or out after dusk. Wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening will help, also. If you do get bitten, be sure not to scratch the area. Some carry diseases that affect man and domesticated animals.

People are the recipients of West Nile Disease. This disease destroys red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body. Some suffer bouts of anemia, fever or even death. Malaria infects millions of people every year. The worst and most severe territory is Africa. North American does get their share with about 1,000 infections a year.

Another deadly disease caused by these fiesty pests is Encephalitis. This an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. It is a rare disease that is more commom in children and those with a weak immune system. The symptoms of Encephalitis are very mild and most people do not seek treatment because they don't know they have it. Some of the mild symptoms include: fever, loss of energy, headache and a poor appetite. Some of the more severe symptoms include: seizures, nausea or vomiting, memory loss, and even comas.

Insect repellants are a must for your camper. Make sure you get a repellant formulated to repel these blood suckers and their cousins, ticks. Spray all exposed skin before going into the woods or around water.

As you can see, mosquitoes ARE unwelcomed guests, but they don't care if they are welcomed or not. You can count on them to be there even if you aren't.



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