The Deadliest Animal In The World Will Be In Utah Soon

The deadliest animal in the world will be making its way back to Utah for Spring and Summer.  

For some of us, we think of allergies, heat, and high air conditioning bills when it comes to the warmer months of the year. However, there is a bigger issue we need to remember and protect ourselves from.  

Though tiny, this creature causes huge harm through spreading disease.  

Thats right, it's the mosquito.  

The CDC warns people every year to be cautious of the insect as they spread malaria, yellow fever, Zika, West Nile Virus. Dengue, and other deadly diseases. In 2021 there were 125 deaths in Arizona from a WNV outbreak.  

Thousands of people are infected each year with different mosquito-borne diseases across the world and the U.S. is no exception.  

Utah has its fair share of mosquito issues each year as well.  

So, what can you do to prevent being bitten by a mosquito? 

CDC Insect Repellent Recommendations: 

• DEET 
• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) 
• IR3535 
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) 
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 
• 2-undecanone 

Protective Clothing: 

• Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. 

• Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes. 
• Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings. 
• Read product information to find out how long the protection will last.

• If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions. 
• Do not use permethrin products directly on skin. 

Protect Your House: 

• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors. 
• Use air conditioning, if available. 
• Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. 

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. 
• Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.