We all enjoy sitting out in the shade on a summer day. But right when we get settled, the mosquitoes come out. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, but they also are hazardous to our health. Havard Pest Control provides effective pest control in Mississippi and we want you to be aware of the dangers involved with mosquitoes.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are not only pests, but they can also carry diseases. When they bite us, they inject their own saliva, which enters our bloodstream. If we are unlucky enough to be bitten by a mosquito carrying a disease, the consequences can be severe. Dangers of mosquitoes include:
- They are vectors for disease, some of which can be fatal.
- You’ll find them everywhere, and they can bite without us noticing.
- They reproduce a lot for one generation so they can infest houses.
- An increase in their population means an increased risk.
A mosquito can suck blood from a host carrying pathogens. The mosquito carries the pathogen, but it doesn’t experience any effects. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria don’t kill mosquitoes because they have certain proteins that stop the infection, but the pathogen can still be passed to new hosts, which makes them perfect vectors.
What Does The CDC Say About Mosquitoes?
Every year, the CDC issues warnings about mosquitoes because there is always the threat of them transmitting disease. People report several illnesses annually from the different types of mosquitoes in Mississippi.
Diseases carried by mosquitoes in Mississippi are:
- Chikungunya
- St. Louis encephalitis
- Eastern equine encephalitis
- West Nile virus
This list of diseases caused by mosquitoes is not to be taken lightly. Signs of infection include high fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, disorientation, and nausea. If a mosquito bites you and you start to feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Three Things You Can Do To Avoid Mosquitoes
We all know it’d be best to just avoid mosquitoes, but this is unlikely. To keep mosquitoes out of house interiors, you can install screens and seal up exterior cracks. These insects look for carbon dioxide emissions, body heat, and human scent. So when you’re outside some ways to avoid mosquito bites are:
- Wear thick, doubly-woven clothing with long sleeves and legs. Mosquitoes won’t be able to penetrate heavy fabrics.
- Position fans at or around you. Mosquitoes can’t fly in heavy wind.
- Exert yourself less to reduce sweat and breathe less heavily.
Staying inside can keep you safe, but some mosquitoes like to infest houses. The only mosquitoes that suck blood are the females; they need nutrients in a host’s blood to grow their eggs, which they lay in water. By removing standing water, you can help keep mosquitoes out of yard and house areas.
Is It Time To Consider Professional Mosquito Control?
A mosquito infestation can quickly get out of hand. The young larvae live in water for five days to a few weeks, so you can’t easily guess when they’ll grow up into a new flurry of adults. As well, treatments to get rid of mosquitoes differ for adults and larvae. If you’re seeing an overwhelming number of mosquitoes on your property, it may be time to get professional assistance.
At Havard Pest Control, we have helped secure Mississippi properties for 70 years with expert and efficient care. We pride ourselves on being eco-friendly and can tailor our pest control methods to your preferences. Give us a call if you’re experiencing any pest problems.