Zika Virus
Dis-ease Prevention, Maintenance, and Cure
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Reducing the risk of Zika infection in people
In the absence of effective treatment and a human vaccine, raising awareness of the risk factors for Zika infection and the
protective measures individuals can take is the only way to reduce human infection and death.
During Zika outbreaks, educational public health messages for risk reduction should focus on several factors:
- Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected animals or people. Animals should be handled
with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked
before consumption.
- Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected
patients, particularly with their bodily fluids. Close physical contact with Zika patients should be avoided. Gloves and
appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is
required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
- Communities affected by Zika should inform the population about the nature of the disease and about outbreak containment
measures, including burial of the dead. People who have died from Zika should be promptly and safely buried.
E.g., Large scale travel between countries in which Zika infections are rising should be minimized and stopped, if necessary.
Appropriate bio-security measures should be in place to limit transmission. For RESTV, educational public health messages should
focus on reducing the risk of pig-to-human transmission as a result of unsafe animal husbandry and slaughtering practices, and
unsafe consumption of fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue. Gloves and other appropriate protective clothing should be worn
when handling sick animals or their tissues and when slaughtering animals. In regions where RESTV has been reported in pigs, all
animal products (blood, meat and milk) should be thoroughly cooked before eating.
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Protect yourself with good hand-washing habits. Tell kids to cover their mouth with a tissue when they cough. If no tissue is
handy, teach them to cough into the crook of their elbow or upper sleeve instead of their hand.
Common disinfectants and detergents will kill Enteroviruses, Morse says, so clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and
toys according to manufacturers’ directions.
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How do you catch it?
The bad news is that enteroviruses, which are thought to cause between 10 million and 15 million infections in the U.S. each year,
are pretty hardy, says Stephen Morse, PhD. He's an infectious disease expert at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, in
New York City.
The “entero-“ part of their name means the viruses can survive stomach acid and infect the gut, as opposed to their cousins, the
rhinoviruses, which can’t.
He says these germs can live on surfaces for hours and maybe as long as a day, depending on the temperature and humidity.
“It is a pretty tough virus,” he says.
The virus can be found in saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum, according to the CDC.
Touching a contaminated surface and then rubbing your nose or eyes is the usual way someone catches it. You can also get it from
close person-to-person contact.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20140909/enterovirus-d68-parents?page=2; Retrieved September 27, 2014
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How is the infection treated?
Because it’s caused by a virus, and not bacteria, antibiotics don’t help.
There is no vaccine to prevent it and no antiviral medication to treat it, says Andi Shane, MD. She's the medical director of hospital
epidemiology and associate director of pediatric infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
She says the virus is treated with supportive care.
“The main thing is giving supplemental oxygen to the children who need it,” she says. Children may also get medications, such as
albuterol, which help relax and open the air passages of the lungs.
Those with the most critical cases have needed ventilators to help them breathe
Source: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20140909/enterovirus-d68-parents?page=2; Retrieved September 27, 2014
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Once a communicable/infectious dis-sease is contracted/confirmed, it is important to isololate/quarantine the
patient and take additional preventive precautions when attending to the needs of the patient.
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Controlling infection in health-care settings
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Controlling infection in health-care settings
Health-care workers should always take standard precautions when caring for patients, regardless of the their presumed
diagnosis. These include basic hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (to block splashes
or other contact with infected materials), safe injection practices and safe burial practices.
Human-to-human transmission of the Ebola virus is primarily associated with direct or indirect contact with blood and body fluids.
Transmission to health-care workers has been reported when appropriate infection control measures have not been observed.
It is not always possible to identify patients with EBV early because initial symptoms may be non-specific. For this reason, it is
important that health-care workers apply standard precautions consistently with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all
work practices at all times. These include basic hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment
(according to the risk of splashes or other contact with infected materials), safe injection practices and safe burial practices.
Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola virus should apply, in addition to standard precautions,
other infection control measures to avoid any exposure to the patient’s blood and body fluids and direct unprotected contact with
the possibly contaminated environment (e.g., surfaces or materials such as clothing and bedding). When in close contact (within 1
metre) of patients with EBV, health-care workers should wear face protection (a face shield or a medical mask and goggles), a
clean, non-sterile long-sleeved gown, and gloves (sterile gloves for some procedures).
Laboratory workers are also at risk. Samples taken from suspected human and animal Ebola cases for diagnosis should be handled
by trained staff and processed in suitably equipped laboratories.
WHO provides expertise and documentation to support disease investigation and control.
Source: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/;
Retrieved September 27, 2014
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Basic protective measures against a new virus
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Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands.
Practice respiratory hygiene
When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and
clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Why? Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough
into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and
have a fever.
Why? When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, like 2019-nCoV, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets
containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your
contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where 2019-nCoV has been reported, or if you have been in
close contact with someone with who has traveled from China and has respiratory symptoms.
Why? Whenever you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing it’s important to seek medical attention promptly as this may be
due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and
depending on your personal travel history and circumstances, 2019-nCoV could be one of them.
If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China
If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand
hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.
As a general precaution, practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal
product markets
Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose
or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other
animals in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or
fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities.
Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products
Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety
practices.
Source: WHO Advice for Public
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Infectious diseases can easily spread between employees and throughout your workplace. If one member of your team gets sick,
they’ll need to take precautions to make sure they don’t infect the rest of your staff. Some diseases can spread faster than others,
especially during a massive outbreak when scientists are still trying to figure out how to best contain the virus.
China is currently dealing with the outbreak of a new coronavirus with some cases spreading to the U.S. Coronaviruses are a
special group of viruses that affect predominantly mammals and birds. They tend to cause respiratory problems in humans with
symptoms resembling the common cold, but some forms of coronavirus can be much more serious. The chances of those in the U.
S. contracting the coronavirus remain extremely low, however the government has restricted all non-essential travel between the
U.S. and China to limit the spread of infection.
Regardless of how this new coronavirus evolves over the next few weeks and months, your business needs to protect itself from
the spread of respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. Without proper hygiene and the right safety equipment, a simple
infection could easily spiral out of control, putting some members of your team out of work for days or weeks on end.
Whether it’s a new illness or just a case of the common cold, use these tips to prevent the spread of disease and keep your team as
healthy as possible.
Personal Hygiene Tips and Reminders
To prevent the spread of germs and other illness-causing bacteria, you and your team will need to practice proper personal
hygiene. Germs tend to live on the skin and hands. You and your colleagues may touch dozens, if not hundreds, of different
surfaces throughout the day.
That’s why it’s important to wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Wash them for at least 20 seconds using soap and
water. Make sure you cover all surfaces when washing. If you haven’t had a chance to wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes,
nose, or mouth.
If someone is sick, avoid touching their hands or getting too close. You can always greet them with a wave instead of shaking their
hand.
When you don’t have access to a sink with soap and water, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel to quickly remove
germs and bacteria throughout the day. You can carry around a packet of wipes on your person or install a series of sanitizer
dispensers around your workplace. Make sure you keep dispensers at eye level, so they stay visible.
What to Do If You’re Feeling Sick
Some of your workers are bound to get sick from time to time. Encourage your staff to speak up if they’re feeling under the
weather. Sick employees should stay home from work whenever possible to reduce the spread of infection. Send some of your
employees home early if they are having health issues.
If you are suffering from flu-like symptoms, try to avoid close contact with others and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then, throw the tissue away and wash your hands with soap
and water or hand sanitizer gel. Be sure to clean and disinfect any surfaces you may have touched throughout the day.
The chances of one of your team members coming down with the coronavirus remain extremely low, unless they’ve traveled to
China recently. Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, body aches, sore
throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Anyone with these symptoms should visit their doctor or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible.
There’s currently no cure for the coronavirus, but most people with a human coronavirus will recover on their own. If you or one
of your colleagues is suffering from flu-like symptoms, take over-the-counter pain and fever medications. You can also use a room
humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease your sore throat or cough. You should also consume plenty of fluids and get lots of
rest when combating the cold or another illness.
Protecting Yourself from Infected Patients
Healthcare workers and other types of professionals working near those with the coronavirus need to take extra precaution to
make sure they don’t get infected. Care providers often need to work near their patients, so the rules mentioned above may not
apply.
In addition to regularly washing their hands with soap and water, healthcare workers and other professionals will need to wear
respirator masks when dealing directly with coronavirus patients. You’ve probably seen hundreds of Chinese citizens wearing face
masks on the news to prevent the spread of infection, but simple cloth masks can only do so much to prevent infection.
The CDC recommends wearing a N95 respirator mask, a common type of industrial face mask. These respirators filter out 95
percent of particles at least 0.3 microns in diameter. These face masks need to be individually adjusted to make sure they fit
correctly. There shouldn’t be any gaps or openings between the lining of the mask and the person’s face.
Most germs and bacteria spread through the air. Wearing a respirator mask will be your first line of defense against the spread of
infection. Look for high-quality respirators with built-in filters, full face masks, and other accessories for added protection on the
job. You can also invest in a fit testing kit to make sure all your masks fit properly.
The coronavirus continues to spread throughout China with only a few reported cases here in the U.S. Reducing the spread of
germs and bacteria will help you keep your team as healthy as possible. Talk to your employees about the tips mentioned above
and post personal hygiene signs and reminders around your workplace. You and your team can work with more peace of mind
when you have access to the right safety gear.
Source: PKSafety.com Blog
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For a lot of job sites, safety masks and respirators are an essential piece of PPE. The lungs are delicate, important organs that are
hard to repair if they get damaged, and inhaling the wrong chemical can have devastating effects on other areas of the body as
well. Protect yourself from invisible airborne particles by investing in a respirator or mask suited to your job.
How Masks and Respirators Are Rated
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a division of the CDC. They determine the ratings that allow
people to choose the right mask for the job. Because government agencies determine ratings for masks, purchasing more
expensive brand name N95 masks won’t necessarily provide “better” protection.
The ratings are based on a performance standard. Both the filter material and the relative quality of the mask fit are factored into
whether a mask earns a particular rating. The challenge in determining this is smoke with 0.3 micron sized particles. How well
does the filter media catch these little buggers, and does the mask fit seal off the path for unfiltered air?
Modern filter media uses a built-in static charge to attract and retain particles as they are pulled through. Some grades of filter can
have this static charge ruined when in contact with oil mist. The letter in a mask’s name tells you whether or not the mask can
resist oil: N masks are not oil resistant, P masks are oil proof, and R masks are oil resistant.
The number in a rating tells you the minimum amount of airborne challenge particles the mask protects against: an N95 mask
keeps out at least 95% of particles but isn’t oil resistant, and a P100 mask is oil proof while protecting the wearer from at least
99.8% of particles.
Where to Use Your N95 Masks
N95 masks see a lot of use in industrial and construction applications where dust and liquids are a frequent hazard. They’re not
suited for areas with lead or asbestos particles, gases, oil-based particulates, aerosols, or some particular healthcare applications:
specialized filters, masks, and respirators are needed for those kinds of work. Face masks are meant to be single-use and disposed
of after removal, and they’re not meant to be shared.
Can N95 Masks Protect Me from a Virus?
The emergence of Wuhan coronavirus (and SARS before that) has a lot of people concerned and stocking up on N95 masks. Viruses
and bacteria are generally too small for a mask to protect against, though they are almost always in a droplet from a sneeze or
cough. The mask will stop the droplets.
Please also remember that your eyes are another pathway, so glasses or goggles may be prudent. Another good thing about
wearing a mask is that it prevents you from touching your nose and mouth! This is a prime route for the spread of viruses.
If you are the infected person, please avoid the masks that have an exhalation valve. They do breathe easier than those without,
but they allow unfiltered air to escape the mask, and this may not be what you have in mind.
It’s also recommended that you wear a face mask if you have symptoms and are entering a healthcare facility for treatment, and
healthcare professionals would likely benefit from wearing one as well. If you do wear a mask, choose one that can be fitted to
your face, and use the same health and hygiene practices you would use to prevent the flu (stay home if you’re sick, wash your
hands frequently and thoroughly, avoid close contact with others, and keep the disinfectant handy).PK Safety N95 Respirators and
Masks
Choosing the right PPE for your workers and job can seem like a daunting prospect, but it’s a necessary one to make sure that
everyone stays healthy on the job. PK Safety carries a variety of respirators, face masks, and filters for every worksite need from a
variety of trusted brands. Our safety experts can answer your questions about air quality, equipment, and worksite safety online or
by phone at 800.829.9580.
Source: PKSafety.com Blog
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Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
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A more natural way of repelling Mosquitoes
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has essential oils that can be extracted and used as a spray. Also effective when grown nearby.
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Cadaga Tree
(Eucalyptus torelliana)
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can repel mosquitoes simply by being planted in an area where mosquitoes are not wanted.
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is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.
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is an effective mosquito repellent. One of its main active ingredients, nepetalactone, was found to be
10x stronger than DEET. A good non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical sprays.
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Many repellent products contain cedar oil as on of its active ingredients to repel mosquitoes as well
as other insect pests.
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Citronella Grass
(Cymbopogon nardus)
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is a plant which, when crushed, releases an oil. This oil can be placed directly on the skin to act as a
mosquito repellent, or mixed with other oils and liquids to make repellents.
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Clove
(Syzygium aromaticum)
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a natural mosquito repellent plant you can use as a planting around the yard or use oil from the clove
to repel mosquitoes quickly.
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is a natural way to repel mosquitoes. One way to use it is to cut up garlic and sprinkle it around your
outdoor living areas. A yard spray can also be made. Garlic can even be mixed with natural aromatic
oils in order to create mosquito repelling body spray.
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Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia)
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Even though lavender is a smell often enjoyed by humans, lavender repels mosquitoes. It can be
planted in gardens or made into oil and applied to the skin or mixed with other oils to keep
mosquitoes away.
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Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis)
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Lemon Balm is a herb in the mint family that has a variety of uses like in flavoring in herbal teas.
Make a quick mosquito repellent, by crushing a handful of leaves and rubbing on your exposed skin.
Grow in the garden for easy access when you need them.
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Lemon Grass
(Cymbopogon citrates)
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containing citronella, a natural oil that repels mosquitoes. Lemon grass is used in Southeast Asia to
flavor things such as chicken. In India, it is used as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Lemon Grass has
a wonderful aroma so that it is often used in perfumes and other toiletries.
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Lemon Scented
Geranium
(Pelargonium crispum)
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can be added to your landscape to allow you access to a natural mosquito repellent. When the leaves
are crushed, they emit a strong lemony smell. The crushed leaves can be spread around your living
area to keep mosquitoes at bay.
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Lemon Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)
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repels mosquitoes naturally. Mosquitoes tend to hate their citrus smell. Crush a few parts of this
plant and rub on the body to keep these harmful bugs away. Make sure that your skin can tolerate the
oil before applying to larger areas of the body.
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Lemon Verbena
(Aloysia triphylla)
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can be planted in your garden, doorways, and windows in order to repel mosquitoes. The plant's oils
can also be applied to the body to ward off bugs.
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Mexican Marigold
(Tagetes lucida)
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the scent of marigolds is offensive to most people and mosquitoes. You can grow it in your yard or
cut the flowers off and keep them around the house to keep mosquitoes from visiting.
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Natural oil from the eucalyptus tree repels insects such as mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, midges, stable
flies and more.
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Nodding Onion
(Allium cernuum)
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Juices can be extracted from allium cernuum via grinding or blending. This juice is highly proficient in
repelling mosquitoes and can be directly applied to the skin. The allium cernuum is not an irritant
and is not know for any sort of reaction.
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usually grown in gardens to flavor tea. However, mint also repels mosquitoes and you can make your
own repellent with mint! All species of mint, both wild and cultivated, contain aromatic properties
repulsive to insects.
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Pineapple weed
(Matricaria matricarioides)
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the aroma of pineapple. The weed can be dried or used fresh to prepare and interesting tea.
Matricaria matricariodes' buds can be used ot add an interesting twist to salads.
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Pitcher Plant
(Nepenthes alata)
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it is actually a carnivorous plant that is similar to a Venus Fly Trap. Except this little beauty gobbles
up mosquitoes. Simply, plant this in your yard and watch it work.
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strong, but natural way to ward away mosquitoes. Crush up Wormwood leaves and distribute around
your outdoor living ways in order to effectively keep these nasty insects away.
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Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
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can be planted in your garden in order to control mosquito infestation. It can also be mixed into
various formulas and lotions to act as a mosquito repellent for the body.
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Snowbrush
(Ceeonothus velutinus)
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is a plant that can be used in your landscape in order to keep mosquitoes away but considered a weed
in most areas.
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Sweet Fern
(Comptonia peregrina)
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is a natural herb that has many uses. To fight mosquitoes away you can place some Sweet Fern into a
fire to keep the little bugs away from the fire and the surrounding area. Also can be used as an
essential oil spray.
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used for a variety of health problems, as it helps increase blood and saliva flow. Tansy can be used as
a bug repellent around your home.
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We have long used Tea Tree oil on our animals, as well as ourselves. The scent is too strong for any
bugs to get near, and it also does wonders as irritation to bugs. It is great and natural!; but toxic, so be
careful.
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Vanilla Leaf
(Achlys triphylia)
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used by native tribes as an insect repellent. First crush and apply by rubbing mosquito-repellent
plants like Vanilla Leaf on your skin.
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Wild Bergamot
(Mondarda fistulosa)
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can be used to repel mosquitoes, but it must first be diluted with water because the plant itself can
irritate the skin. Also you should test the plant on your skin in small amounts first to test for allergic
reactions.
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Stone root
(Collinsonia canadensis)
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a tall plant that is similar to mint, in fact it is in the same family. It is easy to grow and can be made
into a mosquito repellent when crushed and boiled.
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