Mosquitoes and Disease: Why You Need Professional Pest Control
websitebuilder • June 19, 2018
With 200 different species
of mosquito in the U.S. alone, controlling the mosquito population is critical. These flying invaders aren't just annoying — they're true safety hazards. Whether you can't stand the sting (and the resulting itchy welt) or you're concerned about something more serious, know why mosquito pest control is important for staying safe and healthy.
If you're not sure whether you need to keep the mosquitos in your yard under control, take a look at the possible consequences of letting the population get out of hand. These include a variety of diseases that are preventable with the proper pest treatment and using preventative methods like wearing bug repellent whenever you are around mosquitos.
Zika Virus
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that is also spread from mother to child (during pregnancy) and through sex. Zika does not currently have a vaccine, meaning that preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect yourself.
Unlike the flu or other viral infections, Zika often comes with little or no symptoms. If symptoms are present they typically include fever, headache, rash, joint pain, or muscle pain. The virus rarely causes serious symptoms or makes those who are infected seriously sick.
The main concern with Zika is mother-to-infant transmission. Pregnant women who contract the virus run the risk of passing it to their babies in utero. This can cause microcephaly (a condition in which the baby's head is much smaller than normal), severe brain birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should avoid mosquitos. This makes keeping the winged invaders under control an absolute must-do.
West Nile Virus
Like Zika, mosquitoes also transmit this virus, and West Nile also has no vaccine available. Unlike Zika, West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause serious symptoms to the person who is directly infected. Approximately one out of every five people who get WNV will have a fever, joint pains, body aches, headaches, or a rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Even though this virus may make the infected person feel rundown or uncomfortable, the symptoms typically subside within weeks. One out of every 150 people who get WNV will have much more serious symptoms and consequences. These include encephalitis, meningitis, or even death.
Controlling the mosquito population and protecting yourself with preventative bug repellent sprays are the only ways to stay safe and reduce the risk of contracting WNV.
Saint Louis Encephalitis
Contrary to what the name may make you believe, this mosquito-borne virus isn't transmitted only in St. Louis. Saint Louis Encephalitis (or SLEV) is typically found in the eastern and central part of the U.S.
Similar to WNV, some people who contract SLEV have no symptoms. Those who do have SLEV symptoms may have nausea and vomiting along with headache or fever. The virus can sometimes cause a severe neuroinvasive disease, including inflammation of the brain. This type of encephalitis happens more often in older adults and can result in death.
Again, like with WNV, prevention is key. Use bug repellents and control the mosquitos in your yard and home to lower the chances of contracting this potentially dangerous disease.
Pest control professionals can keep your yard and home free from mosquitoes. This reduces the risks and provides peace of mind. A professional pest control contractor can assess the situation and treat your home with the best, most effective solution possible. They can also give you tips on how to keep yourself safe from potential pest problems.
Do you have a mosquito problem in your yard? Contact Anteater Pest Control Inc.
for help.
At Anteater Pest Control , we get a lot of questions about a specific, red-and-black insect that seems to appear out of nowhere in massive clusters. If you’ve seen these bugs congregating on your siding or windowsills, you’re likely dealing with Boxelder bugs. While they aren’t the most destructive pests we deal with, their presence in large numbers can be a major nuisance. Here is everything you need to know about identifying, managing, and preventing Boxelder bugs. Identification: Is it a Boxelder Bug? Before you take action, you have to know what you’re looking at. Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are easily identified by a few key features: Color : Dark brownish-black with three distinct reddish-orange stripes on the thorax (the area behind the head). Shape : An elongated, flattened oval shape, roughly 1/2 inch long. Wings : They have overlapping wings that form a distinct "X" shape on their backs. Why Are They Choosing Your Home? Boxelder bugs are highly attracted to heat and light. They are often found on the south and west-facing walls of buildings because those surfaces absorb the most sunlight. Their primary food source is the seed of the Boxelder tree, though they also frequent Maple and Ash trees. If you have these trees on or near your property, your home is essentially a "luxury resort" for them—providing food nearby and a warm place to rest. The "Nuisance" Factor The good news? Boxelder bugs do not bite, they don’t sting, and they don’t carry diseases. They also won't eat your food or damage your furniture. However, they present two main problems: Staining : If crushed, their body fluids can leave a permanent reddish-orange stain on curtains, carpets, and upholstery. Odors : When threatened or squashed, they release a pungent, foul-smelling defensive odor. Professional Solutions When Boxelder bugs move from a few sightings to a full-scale invasion, DIY methods often fall short. Because these bugs can hide deep within wall voids, professional intervention is the most reliable way to create a lasting perimeter barrier. At Anteater Pest Control, we use targeted treatments to stop these pests before they find their way into your living space. We don't just treat the symptoms; we help you identify the entry points to keep your home secure. Is your home becoming a hangout for Boxelder bugs?
Bats like to hibernate in homes where it is warm and dry. Keep a look out for these signs that bats are sleeping in your home this winter.
As fall arrives, the warmth and food in your home could draw in some unwanted visitors. As you prepare your home for winter, be wary of the following bugs.
Do you have squirrels in your house? If you would like to better protect it, keep reading to learn more about squirrels in your home.
Do you have snakes in your home? Read our blog to learn how snakes find their way into your home and how to prevent their presence.
What is West Nile virus, and do the mosquitoes in your area carry this disease? Take a look at what you need to know about this important issue.
Fleas, like so many insects and pests, can spread disease to humans. Learn more about the types of diseases fleas spread and how to treat them.
If you think an opossum lives in your home's exterior area, take a look at answers to the top opossum questions homeowners have so that you can take action.
You often detect moles from the raised tunnels the animals create. Learn why the deterrence of moles on your property is the best option.
Learn how to identify the differences between mosquito and tick bites so you know what kind of infestation you’re dealing with. Then call the pros.