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Stop NOPO

WHEEEEEEW. THAT WAS CLOSE!

The Public Health Communications folks here at Maris, West & Baker intercepted you just before falling full-on prey to that NOPO propaganda and fortunately were able to redirect you to this page instead. NOPO (the No OverPopulation Organization) is a shady facade run by a much of mosquitos trying to disguise themselves as humans while dishing out the world’s WORSE advice, much of it designed to ensure that the pesky and sometimes deadly little rascals will continue to thrive around our homes and businesses. Well, we’re here to set the record straight and provide our warm-blooded brethren with real info about how to protect yourself from mosquito borne illness.

These tips taken from the uber-health experts at the Mississippi State Department of Health, one of finest public health organizations in the world.

Protecting Yourself

  • Avoid places¬†and times when mosquitoes bite. Evenings and mornings have the most mosquito activity.
  • Wear shoes,¬†socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pants legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.
  • Use mosquito¬†netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
  • Use an insect repellent¬†such as DEET, or one which contains another EPA-registered ingredient such as picaridin, permethrin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The effectiveness of different ingredients varies, so choose one that is right for your activity and mosquito conditions.


Protecting Your Home

You can protect your family from biting mosquitoes by reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding in or near your property:

  • Repair¬†failed septic systems.
  • Keep grass cut short¬†and shrubbery trimmed.
  • Dispose of old tires,¬†cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other unused containers that can hold water.
  • Change the water¬†at least once per week in bird baths, wading pools and other water containers on your property.
  • Cover trash containers¬†to keep out rainwater.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters,¬†particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
  • Repair leaky water pipes¬†and outside faucets.
  • Aerate ornamental pools¬†or stock them with predatory fish.
  • Clean and chlorinate¬†swimming pools even if they are not being used.
  • Keep drains,¬†ditches, and culverts free of grass clippings, weeds, and trash so water will drain properly.

For more information about keeping your family safe from mosquito borne illness, visit healthyms.com/beatthebite.

How you like that, NOPO??? Go spray yourselves with some deet…

A public service of Maris & West & Baker - Public Health Communications Division.