Mosquitos are considered the most dangerous animal in the world due to the number of human deaths they cause yearly. When bitten by an infected mosquito, you may contract diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus.
West Nile virus
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological complications. Most people infected with the West Nile virus do not have symptoms.
West Nile Virus Mosquitos belong to the Culex species of mosquito. Some of its mild flu-like illness symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. Its severe neurological complications include encephalitis and meningitis, but they are rare symptoms of the disease.
Zika virus
Zika virus is an illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The virus can cause serious defects in babies born to infected mothers.
However, for infected individuals, the symptoms can last for a few days. Some of the symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, rash, and conjunctivitis.
Dengue
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. An infected mother can transfer the virus to their child during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
The virus symptoms range from mild, like fever, headache, and joint pain, to severe, such as persistent vomiting, nosebleeds, and blood in vomit or stool.
Malaria
Malaria is the most popular mosquito-borne disease, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The disease is transmitted by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitos.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children under 5 years, pregnant women, and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, fatigue, chills, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as anemia, jaundice, kidney failure, and brain damage.
Chikungunya virus
The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms include rash, nausea, muscle pain, and vomiting.
There are currently no medicines to treat chikungunya. If traveling to areas with chikungunya outbreaks, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Places mosquitoes hide in your yard and how to get rid of them
Mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk. They do not like bright and hot sunshine and will avoid wind as much as possible because they prefer humid conditions.
During the time they are not active, they find comfort in their hiding places in your yard, notably around water with little or no flow.
The first three stages of a mosquito’s life cycle occur in water. The egg hatches when exposed to water, while the larvae continue to live in the water; some species make periodic trips to the water’s surface to eliminate carbon dioxide and inhale fresh oxygen.
At the pupae stage, the mosquitos do not feed. Once an adult, they can fly to feast on human blood and may transmit diseases during this time.
Any item or location with stagnant or slow-flowing water in your yard is a hiding place for mosquitoes.
Clogged gutters
Clogged gutters do not drain properly and, in turn, hold plenty of stagnant water. This provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos. The stagnant water is more than enough for hatching and growth of mosquitos.
Clogged gutters can also create dark, moist areas where mosquitoes can hide and rest. To prevent this, clean your gutters regularly to ensure they drain properly. Install gutter guards to help prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutter and reduce the cleaning frequency.
Uncovered refuse containers
Uncovered plastic containers such as plastic trash can hold water that pools during heavy rains. Like clogged gutters, these containers can provide an ideal space for mosquito breeding.
They can also provide a dark and moist area where mosquitos can hide during their inactive period of the day.
Ensure all refuse containers, including trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins, are covered tightly. Even when they are covered, some water might still escape and get stored in them; therefore, empty and clean them regularly to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
Storing them in a dry area can also help prevent them from accumulating standing water.
Leaf litter
Leaves will likely fall in their numbers during spring but do not be too joyous about the cool weather and heavenly shower that follows summer, as it may skyrocket the mosquito population around your home.
You might see the water collected in leaves as minute, but it is more than enough for mosquitoes to breed. Leaf litter not only causes a boom in mosquito population on your property but also creates a comfortable haven for the adults.
Rake up and dispose of leaf litter promptly, and when piling them, avoid leaving the litter in low-lying areas.
Poorly maintained ponds and swimming pools
Ponds and swimming pools are typically not a contributor to mosquito populations. However, when poorly maintained, whereby they are not circulating water, they can become a breeding field and hiding place for mosquitos.
Regularly check and maintain the water quality in your pond or pool. If you have an abandoned pond or swimming pool, add mosquito fish to them.
Abandoned items such as toys, tires, and gardening tools
Any object that can hold water is an enabler of mosquitos. This includes tire swings. Drill drainage holes in tire swings to prevent them from holding water.
Store toys, tires, and gardening tools indoors or in a covered area when not in use. Conduct a regular check on your yard for any items that may be collecting water.
