Why Mosquitoes are the Deadliest Animal in the World
Mosquitoes are certainly one of the most annoying and obnoxious insects in the animal kingdom, but are they also the deadliest animal in the world? Mosquitoes are dangerous and hazardous to your health because they are known carriers of many harmful diseases. You might scoff at first, but Malaria, a mosquito-borne parasite, killed more than 400,000 people in 2015 alone, and approximately 3.2 billion people (or about half of the world’s current population) are currently at risk of the disease worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Malaria is just one of the many diseases that mosquitoes are known to carry. With other illnesses such as the Zika virus and West Nile virus hitting a bit closer to home, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about mosquito control for your home. Today, we’ll discuss how dangerous mosquitoes really are, how you can prevent them, and much more.
Why Are Mosquitoes So Deadly?
When mosquitoes bite you, they can leave behind much more than just itchy red bumps as a reminder of their visit. Many species of mosquitoes found right here in the United States carry dangerous illnesses that can make you, your family, and even your pets very sick. Mosquitoes carry viruses, bacteria, parasites, and more, which they can easily transfer to humans through their bites. With every mosquito bite you get, there’s a risk of serious infection.
What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry?
These insects are common far and wide, so the illnesses that they carry are extremely varied. Mosquitoes can carry and transmit:
- Zika virus
- West Nile virus
- Yellow Fever
- Dengue
- Encephalitis
Aside from viruses, mosquitoes are also known carriers of many different parasites that can make you or your loved ones ill, such as Malaria and dog heartworm. Although some of these diseases and parasites are more dangerous than others, it’s important to protect yourself altogether.
How Can I Prevent Mosquito Bites?
The key to preventing illness from mosquitoes is to prevent their bites. Mosquitoes spread illness through their bites, so if they do not bite you, they cannot infect you. There are many easy steps you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe during mosquito season. Be sure to:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when you spend time outside. You may sweat, but you'll thank yourself later.
- Use insect repellent while you are outdoors. Check out Consumer Reports’ list of best mosquito repellents.
- Keep your lawn well maintained. A well-kept lawn reduces the places where mosquitoes can live and hide out during the day.
- Use mosquito-repelling plants such as citronella or catnip in your garden. They smell great to people, but not so much for the mosquitoes.
Our #1 Tip: Eliminate Standing Water Around Your Home
The most important way to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water around the perimeter of your home. The reason mosquitoes are so hard to control is because they breed extremely fast. They need standing water to breed, and reducing the amount of water around your home removes their breeding grounds. Be sure to look for standing water in:
- Birdbaths
- Buckets
- Trash cans
- Flowerpots
- Gutters
- Grill covers
- Baby pools
- Pet bowls
- Tires
- Leaky pipes
If you live in a high-risk area such as near a body of water or a greenway, chances are you won’t be able to eliminate standing water completely. In this case, a professional mosquito treatment is your best option.
Should I Get Professional Help for Mosquitoes?
Even if you do every single thing on our list to keep mosquitoes away from your home, the truth is, it’s usually not enough. Mosquitoes only need a quarter-size of water to breed, so they can be extremely hard to control without professional sprays. In order to protect your family to your best ability, a professional treatment is your best bet.
Save $25 on Our Treatment Today
As a local pest control company in Greensboro, we have families and pets too. We understand the growing concerns over mosquito-borne viruses such as the Zika Virus, and we want to do everything we can to help ease your mind. Our recurring treatments target the existing mosquito population, as well as their breeding grounds to prevent re-infestations. We are even offering a special of $25 off your first mosquito treatment for a limited time, so relief from these pesky pests doesn’t have to break the bank.