Wellmark International’s PreStrikeTM Combined with Common Sense Keeps Disease Risks to a Minimum
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (April 12, 2004) - Not so many years ago, the coming summer months would be filled with the sounds of kids playing outside. Today, the former sounds of summer have been replaced by blips and beeps of video games, mouse clicks on computers, and the almost audible fear of parents sending their children outside to play. While a number of safety issues confront today’s parents that previous generations didn’t have to contend with, it seems that an inordinate amount of energy has been devoted to the fear of a mosquito bite leading to dire consequences. Given the fact that West Nile virus cases have been reported in virtually every state, concern isn’t without reason but Schaumburg-based Wellmark International offers some easy-to-follow tips that can help bring back the fun of being outdoors.
According to Wellmark, the following easy-to-follow suggestions may help take some of the sting out of outdoor pests:
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Either eliminate or treat any standing bodies of water in receptacles or containers in your yard. Standing water can be treated with Wellmark’s PreStrike larvicidal products that won’t harm humans, animals, fish or vegetation. These granules can be easily spread in water gardens, ornamental fountains, roof gutters, bird baths, old tires, flower pots, tree holes, urns, rain barrels, pool covers, abandoned swimming pools, or any other water-holding receptacle. This product prevents developing mosquitoes from ever reaching the breeding, biting adult stage and works for up to 21 days. (A 30-day formula is planned for introduction later this year.)
- Remove litter from your yard. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small, discarded items that can hold water such as cans, bottles, and wrappers.
- Stay indoors during dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.
- Use a repellent on skin and clothing containing DEET. Apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Look for a repellent containing approximately 28 percent DEET. Consult your child’s physician regarding proper dosage levels for children.
“Anecdotally, we’ve seen a disproportionate amount of anxiety devoted to the potential dangers of a mosquito bite. As you can see from our suggestions, common sense and proven pest control products go a long way in keeping the outdoors an enjoyable experience,” observed Mark Newberg, Wellmark International corporate communications director. “Consumers can also visit www.wellmarkinternational.com and www.prestrike.com to find out more about the entire line of Wellmark’s product offerings.”
About Wellmark International
Wellmark International (www.wellmarkinternational.com) is a leading manufacturer of products to control economic, nuisance and disease-carrying insects and is dedicated to improving the wellness of people and pets through effective pest management. Wellmark International is a leading producer of chemical and biorational products for professional pest control and pioneered insect growth regulators—using the insect’s own chemistry as a means to reduce pest populations.
