Mosquitoes are killers; in fact, they are responsible for more human deaths than human murderers are. There are more than 3,000 species of mosquito across the globe and these tiny creatures are considered the world’s most deadly animal, causing 725,000 deaths a year. Here are the facts you need to know about these insects and how to protect you and your family from them.
Anatomy of a Mosquito
Mosquitos are small, airborne insects that range in size from 1/8 to 3/8 long. Their body is divided into three parts. They have six long, jointed legs and most have veined wings. Usually, they are black, brown or gray. Some have white or silver markings or blue and green scales. They have a proboscis that can pierce and suck. Females feed on nectar but also need blood before they can lay their eggs. A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, usually on the surface of stagnant water. Only female mosquitos bite, and not all species bite humans. Those that do are attracted by the smell of our breath and chemicals in our sweat. When they do bite, they release an anti-clotting chemical into their victim to keep the blood flowing. This is how mosquitos frequently spread disease. The complete life cycle of a mosquito lasts for one month.
What Health Risks do Mosquitos Pose?
Mosquitos can cause the following illnesses in humans:
- West Nile Virus: This virus causes the brain to swell (encephalitis) as well as swelling of the spinal cord.
- Dengue fever: Also known as “break-bone fever,” this viral disease causes flu-like symptoms in its mild form but can develop more serious complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, enlargement of the liver and damage to blood vessels.
- Yellow fever: This infection gradually causes liver and kidney failure, seizure and coma then death.
- Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE): Similar to West Nile, this virus is more severe and is fatal in 50% of human cases.
As well as humans, mosquitos pose a major health threat for cats, dogs, and livestock. Horses are at risk of infection from EEE and dogs can develop heartworms from mosquito bites.
Keeping Mosquitos at Bay
Mosquitos are no strangers to the U.S. Having them around your home is not only a nuisance; it can also be a health hazard. There are currently 70 known species of mosquitoes in New York State alone. The mosquito season begins in mid to late spring and can continue through the rest of the year if the weather stays warm. The five deadliest mosquitos in the U.S. are:
- Asian Tiger Mosquito
- Yellow Fever Mosquito
- Malaria mosquito
- Encephalitis mosquito
- Southern House Mosquito
How to Get Rid of Mosquitos Around Your Home
- Drain all containers of standing water: Mosquitos need less than a half inch of water to lay their eggs. Don’t leave paddling pools, dog bowls or bird baths standing full of water, drain and change the water regularly.
- Throw away garden junk: Don’t create mosquito habitats with junk in your garden. Throw away old tires, disused plant pots and any other containers that can hold moisture and attract female mosquitos.
- Keep tarps tight: If you have tarpaulin covers on your grill or lawn furniture, keep them tight so that water cannot pool in the folds of the material.
- Treat your yard: Spray insect repellant on lawns, shrubs, and trees. It will create a barrier that will keep mosquitos at bay.
Getting Professional Help
If you live near water or you have water features in your yard, or if it’s a particularly bad season for mosquitos, it might be time to consider professional help. A professional pest control management service will come to your home and thoroughly examine every part of your property to assess the high-risk areas for mosquito breeding. They will also be able to recognize the types of mosquitos that are already causing you problems. Once the full assessment has been made, the company representative will create a treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
The plan will explain what measures you need to take to prevent mosquitoes breeding on your property and tips on how to keep them out of your home. The pest control expert will also apply insecticides to your property to prevent adult mosquitos sheltering and to your water features to stop them breeding there. Check out this website for professional help with your pest management.
Don’t let mosquitos keep you out of your garden this summer. Take control and keep your yard unattractive to these brutal killers.
Andrew Morley is interested in anything involving home repair and renovation. A DIY devotee, you can read his articles on many DIY and homeowner websites.
