Mosquitoes are among the deadliest creatures on earth, responsible for millions of deaths annually; this makes mosquito control a crucial task for every homeowner. Not only can mosquitoes cause death to humans, but they also cause diseases in pets and livestock. Indeed, as many as 400,000 people reportedly succumbed to malaria in merely 2015. And the risk continues to increase.
The worst part is malaria is just one of the many diseases that mosquitoes are known to carry. There are many other mosquito-borne illnesses that we need to worry about, such as the Zika virus and West Nile virus and so on. (1) It’s more important than ever to be vigilant about mosquito control for your home.
Why Are Mosquitos Harmful?
Before we talk about what needs to be done for mosquito control, it’s imperative that you realize the danger that they carry. More often than not, people underestimate the graveness of mosquito-borne illnesses. Hence they fail to take timely measures and end up facing detrimental consequences.
Mosquito-borne diseases are those clinical illnesses transmitted to people via the bite of an infected mosquito. It could be a virus like Zika fever or a parasite like malaria. In the past few years, mosquito-borne illnesses have increased significantly, presumably due to global travel, an increase in human population, and urbanization. Let’s take a look at some of the mosquito-borne diseases you need to be cautious about.
Chikungunya
The Chikungunya outbreak was initially detected back in 2013. The virus rapidly spread worldwide, affecting nearly 60 countries. Not only that, more than 1 million cases have been reported in the US alone. (2)
Although not potentially fatal, the virus can cause severe joint pain lasting for several weeks, along with fever and rash.
Dengue
This virus typically presents with headache, fever, rash, and joint pain. It has a more severe form, too, dengue hemorrhagic fever, in which bleeding can occur which can be fatal in some cases.
Dengue, which is found in more than 100 countries, is a viral disease that is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. (3) This mosquito is responsible for transmitting other conditions such as Zika and Chikungunya as well.
In the tropics and subtropics, dengue is a leading cause of illness and death. As per statistics, around 100 million infections are reported worldwide. And the death rate is pretty concerning too. So, dengue is definitely a significant public health concern.
In recent decades, the incidence of dengue has risen sharply as the disease has spread into new geographic regions. Although still relatively rare in the United States, cases are on the rise and are mainly associated with travel to areas where dengue is prevalent, but local transmission has also been reported.
West Nile
Upon biting an infected bird, the responsible virus circulates in the mosquito’s blood and reaches its salivary gland within a few days. Therefore, when the mosquito bites a human or animal during its next feeding, the virus is injected into the bloodstream, causing illness.
Mosquitoes are also known to infect horses with West Nile virus, but unlike birds, horses cannot transmit the disease. Thus, monitoring the appearance of dead birds can serve as a warning sign for the presence of West Nile virus. (4)
The virus is usually asymptomatic, though sometimes it can present with fever, joint pain, and nausea. Sometimes, it can lead to West Nile encephalitis, which causes high fever, convulsions, paralysis, and even death.
Zika
This one’s relatively recent compared to other mosquito-borne viruses. It usually is asymptomatic. Sometimes, it can present with mild symptoms like joint pain, fever, and rash. It’s more dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause neurological defects in the developing fetus with problems like microcephaly.
Although primarily considered a harmless virus, the growing awareness of Zika highlighted the importance of mosquito control worldwide. Countries with inadequate mosquito control policies became more susceptible to the virus. The United States, for example, had to ramp up efforts to control mosquito populations in areas where Zika was discovered. (5)
Controlling Mosquitos On Your Property
We have merely touched upon a few common mosquito-borne illnesses. There are plenty more that make mosquitos all the more dangerous. Note that the best way to avoid these diseases is prevention. Unfortunately, there are no anti-viral drugs for mosquito-borne conditions. And there are no effective vaccines either. So you have to take some preventative measures to ensure your safety and that of your family. (6) Here are some of them.
Keep Your Yard Clear Of Clutter
Overgrown yards increase the likelihood of mosquito breeding grounds, as they provide the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and thrive.
By taking the necessary precautions, such as cutting your grass, trimming trees and shrubs, and removing fallen leaves, you limit the habitat of mosquitoes, which in turn will decrease the likelihood of their presence on your property. Doing so will not only create a more pleasant outdoor living environment but will also help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Avoid Soil Buildup
The buildup of soil around the house can create the perfect habitat for pests to thrive. So ensure that the soil is moved away from the foundation so that a sound barrier can be formed around your home, preventing insects from finding their way into your property.
Eliminate Standing Water
The pesky creatures cannot thrive without stagnant water. They use the water to lay their eggs before invading the surrounding areas. Try turning over containers that might hold still water, such as buckets, flower pots, etc. This prevents the breeding of mosquitoes and can keep your surroundings mosquito-free.
You can also apply other mosquito control techniques, such as using mosquito dunks. These products can be easily obtained from garden supply stores, and the best part is that they do not harm other beneficial insects in the water. By killing mosquito larvae for 30 days, mosquito dunks can provide longer-lasting protection against mosquitoes in your surroundings.
Using Insect Repellant
Two handy methods for mosquito control include the application of sprays and granules. Sprays should be applied to all vegetation surrounding your premises, such as grass, shrubs, trees, and even your garden.
Granules are also excellent for congested areas, and they create a repellent barrier that keeps mosquitoes at bay. The best feature about both methods is the fact that they are not toxic, so there is no risk to small children and pets. It is always vital to follow label instructions when using insecticides to ensure that they are used correctly and safely.
Avail The Services Of A Local Mosquito Control Company
If you are unable to handle the creatures on your own, it’s always better to let professionals handle it. Luckily, you won’t have to look far. If you are unable to handle the pests on your own, don’t hesitate to give WeedX a call. We will eliminate mosquitos from your property, ensuring your safety and you will be able to enjoy your property in peace. Give us a call at (484)787-2733 and leave the rest to us!