Mosquito Invasion

Conditions are lining up for a mosquito invasion this summer in the Spring Green area and there are about ten million reasons to believe it has already happened.  Or perhaps ten billion...mosquitos thrive in warm, wet environments and with our heavy rains this spring, along with the recent hot spells, mosquitos are having an easy time of invading our outdoor space.  There is little question that this is a bad year for mosquitos in our town and surrounding areas. Bad for us that is, great for the whining, irritating pests!

Wisconsin is home to 53 mosquito species which are divided into four groups depending on the egg laying/water body environments they prefer: 

   -  water from snowmelt
   -  summer floodwaters
   -  semi-permanent or permanent waters such as lakes and ponds
   -  containers - such as hollow trees and old tires

Please remember to empty the egg laying environments that you can control, like those old tires and empty buckets scattered in farm dump and neglected yard areas.  Female mosquitos can lay four to five batches of eggs in their four week life span and those eggs can sit for years until conditions are ideal for hatching.  You can be sure the conditions are ideal this year!  Use the excellent, natural and Deet free preparations that Panacea offers to combat the mosquitos in your area. 

For proper mosquito care, remember that mosquitos do not actually bite - they pierce the upper layer of your skin with a proboscis - something much like a straw.  Once the mosquito finds a blood vessel, it releases saliva which contains an anti-coagulant to keep your blood flowing.  Your body reacts to the foreign substance with a mild allergic response and that is what produces the red, itchy bump.  A quick swipe with rubbing alcohol as soon as you see the mosquito on your skin will help stop the itchy reaction.   

Don't let it get that far:  prevent mosquito attacks with the natural repellants that Panacea has on hand all seaon long!  There are environmental solutions as well as direct skin applications and Panacea has an excellent selection from which to choose.   While you are in the shop, be sure to ask Pam for her expert advice on handling all of your questions about skin care in the demanding summer season.  Have fun camping, fishing, hiking, biking...whatever your favorite activities are during the wonderful, warm weeks of outdoor adventure - just remember to take care of your health and your skin.  Pam is always around to help you with your outdoor challenges!