We often think of mosquitoes as an annoyance. They buzz in our ears, leave itchy red welts all over us, and ruin our outdoor fun! While those things can be annoying, that’s not what we have to worry about with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can carry several dangerous and deadly diseases. Preventing bites is crucial to preventing the transmission of these diseases. The good thing is that there are things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from interrupting your summer fun, from do-it-yourself remedies to calling in the professionals and everything in between.
Mosquitoes can carry many diseases, some of which can be very harmful to humans, from causing mild illness to death. Here are a few of the most common:
- West Nile Virus - West Nile virus is transmitted to humans when a mosquito feasts on an infected bird and then bites a person – transferring the illness through the blood. West Nile virus can cause fatigue, joint aches, muscle pain, rashes and other symptoms or no symptoms at all and usually lasts a few weeks to a few months.
- Zika Virus - Zika is generally not harmful, except to pregnant women because the virus can cause birth defects in the unborn baby. People with Zika may experience rash, headaches, and fatigue. In unborn babies, it can cause a brain infection called microcephaly.
- Encephalitis - Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. This illness is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
There are several things you can do on your own to prevent mosquitoes. These things include planting grasses and herbs that deter mosquitoes like citronella, lemongrass, and lavender. Be wary of standing water from overwatering gardens and grass, kiddie pools, puddles, containers, leaking faucets and hoses, and long wet grass. Remove all yard debris, keep the grass cut short, and trim back bushes and overgrowth at the edges of your property.
These things will cut down on the mosquitoes but won’t rid your property completely of them. Calling in the professionals from Aiken Pest Control is your best option for a mosquito-free summer. We will visit your property, come up with a treatment plan, and monitor your yard to help you prevent mosquitoes. Typically, treatment involves spraying areas where mosquitoes are most active and likely to breed such as in or around mulch, near ponds or marshy areas, around trees and garden beds, and pools. Aiken Pest Control technicians can treat your yard as part of a seasonal maintenance plan or do a one-time treatment for a special event such as a family reunion or backyard wedding. You don’t have to let mosquitoes ruin your summer fun!