How does fighting dengue mosquitoes with UV light work?
We all know that dengue cases are on the rise but to what extent? According to NEA, we are adding slightly more than 1600 cases weekly during the period between 28 June to 8 August 2020, close to 2.5 times the number of cases during the same period in 2019. If this is not shocking enough, it is estimated that in the year 2020 alone, there is already 23,500 cases and counting, where the latest information could be found here.
The truth about dengue is that there are 2 major categories, dengue and severe dengue. Symptoms of dengue include a combination of high fever 40°C/104°F and 2 of the following:
- severe headache
- pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pains
- nausea
- vomiting
- swollen glands
- rash
As for severe dengue, the patient enters what is called the critical phase normally about 3-7 days after illness onset with the fever is dropping (below 38°C/100°F) in the patient, that warning signs associated with severe dengue can manifest. Severe dengue is a potentially fatal complication, due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. Warning signs that not only doctors but we should look for include:
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting
- rapid breathing
- bleeding gums
- fatigue
- restlessness
- blood in vomit
Note this: There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The best options to treat these symptoms are acetaminophen or paracetamol. For severe dengue, leave it to the medical physicians and nurses to decrease the mortality rate from > 20% to < 1%.
Knowing that fever can cause a ton of discomfort and pain to the one infected, as parents, don’t let your family go through the pain, suffering and potentially death that dengue can cause them. Especially those with pre-existing respiratory issues or blood-related issues, they would be affected more.
So, what can we do to fight dengue – Buy Bug Zappers! Do they really work? Here’s what is going on: The bug zapper attracts insects using UV light which is surrounded by an electrified mesh cage. Insects would be attracted and move towards the UV light, being electrocuted by the mesh cage in the process.
Research suggests that mosquitoes find their meals by following a trail of carbon dioxide. At times, they would be curious about the UV light and make the mistake by getting too close. But there is no guarantee that it would be a female biting mosquito. Fret not, other experiments found that during the 1st hour of newly born mosquitoes, a high percentage fall into these bug zappers due to the attraction of the UV light.
Where should we place these bus zappers?
- Place them in areas with little light (best away from direct light).
- Avoid placing them near light coloured walls as the emitted light will reflect off the surface and disturb the action of the appliance.
- Avoid placing them near windy areas which could interfere with their actions.
After reading so much, you might be thinking which bug zapper would be the best for you. If you are looking for an effective Mosquitos Buster, don’t hesitate to check out one of the most popular Pest Stop mosquito killers here, a best-seller at the Intertech web store.
