How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are not only pesky bloodsucking pests, but they can also act as vectors for disease. When they bite us, their needly proboscis sends in several shots of the mosquito’s own saliva, which enters our bloodstream. If we are unlucky enough to be bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito, we may suffer severely. Dangers of mosquitoes include:
- They carry diseases, some of which can be fatal.
- They are everywhere and can bite without us realizing it.
- Their populations can grow quickly and they can infest houses.
- If there is an infestation, the chance of contracting a disease could increase.
A mosquito can suck up blood from a human or animal carrying pathogens, like viruses or other pathogens. From there, the mosquito carries the pathogen, and it isn’t affected by it. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria don’t kill mosquitoes because mosquito immune systems have certain proteins that inhibit the infection. It makes them perfect carriers so that when they bite another host, the saliva might inject the pathogen.
What Does The CDC Say About Mosquitoes?
The CDC issues annual warnings about mosquitoes because there is a constant threat of them spreading disease. Every year, people report several illnesses from the different types of mosquitoes in Texas. The CDC has a lot to say about the mosquitoes in Texas and what they can spread. Diseases carried by mosquitoes in Texas include:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Eastern equine encephalitis
- Western equine encephalitis
- Malaria
- St. Louis encephalitis
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
This list of diseases caused by mosquitoes is alarming. Though some of these diseases are much more dangerous than others, a lot of them have similar symptoms. If a mosquito has bitten you and you begin to feel any debilitating symptoms, you should consult a medical professional promptly. High fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, disorientation, and nausea are signs of infection.
Only a specific species of mosquito carries malaria, so many think it will be an unlikely infection. However, 150 cases were locally acquired in the United States. Another risk is from those who have traveled. If they return with an infection, a mosquito could transmit malaria to a healthy, unsuspecting individual.
Three Things You Can Do To Avoid Mosquitoes
The best way to keep safe from these pests is to avoid them altogether. They hunt for a host by looking for carbon dioxide emissions, body heat, and human scent. To keep mosquitoes out of house interiors, you can make sure to install screens. But outside, some ways to avoid mosquitoes biting you are:
- Wear thick, doubly woven fabrics that cover most of the body. A mosquito can’t penetrate through heavy fabrics.
- Use fans that are positioned at you. Mosquitoes can’t fly in strong wind, so they won’t be able to get to you if you set up a strong flow of air around you.
- Exert yourself less to avoid perspiring and breathing out too much carbon dioxide.
Staying inside can keep you safe, as well, but sometimes mosquitoes infest houses. You’ll want to make sure the house exterior is sealed up and you remove any standing water. Female mosquitoes are the only ones that suck blood because they need it for their eggs. They also like to lay their eggs in water, so by removing standing water, you can help keep mosquitoes out of yard and house areas. It’s also unfortunate that Texas has some species of mosquitoes that like to hang out inside properties, not just outside. If infestations get too far along, it may be time to hire professional mosquito control help.
Is It Time To Consider Professional Mosquito Control?
A mosquito infestation is a difficult thing to tackle. The young larvae live in water for five days to weeks, so you never know when they’ll mature into a new cluster of adults. As well, treatments to get rid of mosquitoes differ for adults and larvae. If you’re seeing too many mosquitoes on your property, it may be time to get professional assistance.
At BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control, we help secure residential and commercial properties with expert and efficient pest control care. We offer immediate inspections and service, so give us a call if you’re experiencing any pest problems.