In August 2023 when Wayne Hoger was first diagnosed with West Nile, we felt a sense of relief knowing there was an official diagnosis. This gave us hope that treatments could begin and we would start to see our loved one return to himself. We spent hours searching the internet reading medical journals and case studies to rapidly learn that there were no treatments for West Nile and prevention is the only way to avoid or overcome it. We learned that nearly 80% of people that contract West Nile, don't even know they have it. We learned that 20% of the people that are infected develop less severe symptoms that can last several weeks or have lasting effects such as extreme fatigue for life. We also learned that less than 1% of people infected develop severe symptoms that can include encephalitis. Wayne was one of those 1%. This inspired us to share the knowledge we learned over the course of the 104 days Wayne fought for his life.

Did you know that mosquitoes contract West Nile from feeding on infected birds, and then spread it to people and other animals?

Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to protect yourself from contracting West Nile. The best way to be preventative is to apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that includes DEET or lemon eucalyptus. Apply after sunscreen, over the clothing, and reapply every few hours or sooner if label directs. Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening. These are peak hours for mosquito bites, especially those carrying West Nile. Limit the places for mosquitoes to lay eggs around your home. Remove any standing water. Dispose of any dead birds you see by securing them in a sealed bag inside of a trash receptacle. West Nile infections peak in Late Summer in North Dakota, but can be contracted at any time during mosquito season. Crows and jays are the most common birds linked to the virus but over 110 species have been known to carry it. All information included in this article is sourced from John Hopkins Medicine. It is important to do everything you can to prevent West Nile, as there is no cure, and no vaccines to prevent it. We want to ensure no other family has to endure the experience we had with West Nile, which is why we are bringing this information forward.

 

As many people choose to live a more holistic life, we want to provide ways to prevent mosquitoes as best as possible without the use of chemicals. Gardens, flowers, and other plants serve so many purposes, one of them including being natural mosquito repellants. When selecting the plants you choose for you flower pots and gardens this year consider adding the following:

•       Basil

•Garlic

•Peppermint

•Lavender

•Marigold

•Lemongrass

•Rosemary

•Sage

•Pennyroyal

•Geranium

•Tulsi

•Cedar mulch

 

It is important to note that not all plants have your back and some may be increasing your risk of mosquitoes being present. These are plants typically found in ponds or fountains, that may be attracting unnecessary guests.

•Bamboo

•Water lettuce

•Water lilies

•Taro

•Papyrus

 

For years, we’ve been told citronella oil repels mosquitos. Science has actually proven otherwise. A study conducted in 2017 and published in the Journal of Insect Science compared a variety of wearable and spray-on mosquito repellents to see which products were the most effective at keeping mosquitoes away. DEET and lemon eucalyptus oil sprays worked, and so did a wearable device containing metofluthrin. However, none of the items containing citronella oil had any effect in repelling mosquitoes. The study did include some natural oils and scents that mosquitoes did tend to stay clear of as alternative options to citronella, however, it is important to note they are significantly less effective than lemon eucalyptus or DEET. These scents and oils include: 

•Catnip

•Cedar

•Cinnamon

•Garlic

•Geranium

•Lavender

•Lemongrass

•Patchouli

•Peppermint 

•Pine

•Rosemary

There were many herbs that made the list. This should bring peace of mind when you are designing your garden, as you can add cedar mulch and have a lush herb garden that you enjoy in peace, pest-free.

 

In memory ofWayne, we ask that you plant an abundance of marigolds in his honor to help prevent others from contracting West Nile and bringing beauty into the yards of the town he loved and was proud to call home. If you are unable to obtain any marigold seeds, reach out to Diane, Kelly, or Kendra and they will ensure you receive some in his memory