Got Mosquitoes? Zika isn’t Your Only Concern

Let’s talk about Zika for a minute; everyone else is. If you Google ‘Zika’ more than 116 million hits come up, and you can’t watch the news without hearing a news report about this dangerous disease. This summer, it was the topic of conversation and patio party banter. But if you have mosquitoes near your home or business, Zika is not the only disease about which you should worry.

Secret Lives of Mosquitoes

To better understand the risks you face when mosquitoes are around, let’s talk about the obscure facts you probably didn’t know about.

• There are more than 176 mosquito species in the United States, and each can act very differently.

• Mosquitoes like to hang around the same area because they can’t travel far in a single day.

• Large gatherings and physical activity may attract more mosquitoes, as the little pests are equipped with sensors that permit them to smell our breath. So, your breath can act as a scent trail that attracts these blood-suckers.

• Your dark clothing may be attracting mosquitoes, but if you are sweaty or wearing scented products, you will be a target anyway.

• The itchy bumps on your arm are caused by the mosquito’s saliva. Yep, that’s spit causing you all that distress.

• Warm bodies attract more mosquitoes.

• The more you move, the more they bite.

Diseases – Other Than Zika – Caused by Mosquitoes

The mosquito is the deadliest animal in the world, killing and making millions of people sick every year. As you can see, we are all at risk for mosquito bites if we are outside at all during the day. While Zika is in the news with good reason, we can’t forget that it’s not the only disease that mosquitoes transmit. Mosquitoes transmit diseases to people and animals on a daily basis.

Mosquito Diseases to People

Common diseases transmitted to people include:

• West Nile Virus

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis, LaCrosse Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis

• Malaria

• Chikungunya

• Dengue

• Yellow Fever

Mosquito Diseases to Animals

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis

• Western Equine Encephalitis

• Dog Heartworm

Mosquito Control Solutions

One thing you need to know about controlling mosquitoes is that no single DIY will get rid of, deter, and prevent mosquitos in and around your home. You need the knowledge of professionals to keep you, your family, and your four-legged friends safe. Turn to the professionals at American Pest for a comprehensive mosquito plan that relies on education, experience, and the latest tech to tackle your mosquito problem.