Zika is the buzzword when it comes to those buzzing pests, mosquitoes, especially if you live in the southern Gulf Coast regions of the U.S. But regardless of where you live in America, mosquitoes are pests that can create a variety of health problems.
For example:
- Carriers of Dirofilaria immitis (heartworms), that affect dogs and cats.
- Transmitters of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), that affects horses.
- Transmits LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC) which affects humans, usually through small mammal hosts.
- A carrier of West Nile virus (WNV) that transmits directly to birds and humans.
It is hard to imagine but worldwide, mosquitoes are responsible for more than one million deaths annually. The majority of those cases involve mosquito-related diseases that cause fatal cases of encephalitis. Although most people only experience the typical itchy, skin irritation related to mosquito bites, one never knows until symptoms show up if a local mosquito population is carrying a dangerous infectious disease.
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following measures for protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Use insect repellent when outdoors,
- If travelling overseas to areas where mosquito-borne illnesses like Malaria are common, consult with your physician to see if any vaccines are available.
- Wear long sleeves and pants during peak hours of mosquito activity when outdoors.
- Eliminate outdoor mosquito habitats such as anything that holds standing water or low areas that pool water.
- Have your home and outdoor areas treated by professional pest exterminators.
For more information on how to minimize your mosquito risk, please contact us. Our skilled pest control technicians are dedicated to the mission of helping our clients live pest-free.
