How to Protect Yourself & Your Pets From the Annual Oklahoma Spring Mosquito Invasion

It's that time of year again. Get ready Oklahoma for the annual mosquito invasion! It's a real problem and one that could affect you and your pets. Health experts and veterinarians across the state are warning Oklahomans about the dangers of mosquitoes. Your health and the health of your pets are at risk.

SEE HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR PETS FROM MOSQUITOES BELOW

Mosquitoes can carry all kinds of diseases and can really make you sick if you're bitten. Probably the most known diseases are Malaria and West Nile Virus, but mosquitoes can carry all kinds of other diseases as well. Not only are they dangerous to humans but to all of our four-legged friends as well.

Hit play on the video below to learn how to rid your yard of mosquitoes

Flood mosquitoes are one of the leading causes of heartworms in both dogs and cats. They infect pets by biting them and it can cause serious health issues, even death to your pet if not treated in time.

NOW'S THE TIME TO GET PREPARED FOR THE UPCOMING MOSQUITO INVASION

Vets are urging owners to make sure their pets are taking regular heartworm pills or some other form of preventive treatment to help reduce and hopefully eliminate the risk of getting heartworms. This in combination with a flea and tick collar and treated yard will go a long way in protecting your pets.

PETS ARE ALSO AT RISK OF HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO MOSQUITO BITES

When it comes to protecting yourself make sure you're using repellent preferably one with Deet or something comparable. If possible wear long sleeves while outdoors. I know in Oklahoma during the Summer that's near impossible. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk so try to avoid being outdoors during this time.

Mosquitoes also love standing and stagnate water, so make sure you empty anything outdoors that holds water including birdbaths, open rain barrels, clogged drains and gutters where water can stand. Untreated swimming pools and splash pads are common mosquito habitats, and basically anything else that can hold water needs to be drained, emptied and dried up. Otherwise, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and you'll never be rid of them.

WE'RE ALREADY STARTING TO SEE MOSQUITOES SO GET READY FOR BATTLE

You can get Mosquito Dunks to place in birdbaths and other locations to keep mosquitoes from breeding. You can find them at Lowe's, Home Depot, Amazon, and just about everywhere else. Not too sure if Walmart sells them but I bet they do. You should be able to find them in the lawn and garden section of most stores.