Putting the Bite on Pesky Mosquitoes

Putting the Bite on Pesky Mosquitoes

(ARA) - Humans and birds aren't the only creatures that need to worry about mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. Researchers in Florida have discovered alligators are getting the disease too.

When the huge reptiles fall asleep with their mouths open in the humid marshy areas of Florida, mosquitoes fly in and bite the alligator's tongue. Being cold-blooded, alligators sleep in the sun to warm their bodies, but keep their mouths open to cool their heads. Still, it seems the alligators are having the last laugh in this reptile versus insect scenario. While the West Nile Virus incubates in the alligator's body it doesn't seem to make them sick.

Researchers want to know what's in an alligator's immune system that could possibly be replicated for a potential human antivirus serum. Alligator tears are also known to be a natural antibiotic that protect an alligator's eyes from scum and pollution in the water in which they spend most of their time. So far, no breakthroughs have been made in either category.

Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are easy to control if one takes the necessary precautions. Mosquitoes can hatch from eggs in three hours, allowing them to reproduce in great numbers in a short period of time. The trick is to spray a mosquito pesticide on all standing water, moist grass and the tops and bottoms of leafy shrubbery where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

There are lots of mosquito sprays on the market, but you want one that's nontoxic. St. Gabriel Laboratories makes an all-natural mosquito spray that's safe for kids and pets. The owner of Faulconer Hardware store in Orange, Virginia sprayed his yard for a July Fourth party and says, "We didn't have a mosquito or a gnat for the whole weekend."

St. Gabriel Laboratories "Mosquito Killer" is formulated to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus, Bird Flu and Avian Flu. Contact them at (800) 801-0061 or visit www.milkyspore.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent