Mosquitoes are small, midge-like flies. The females have a tube-like mouth part that pierces the host to consume blood. They feed on many vertebrates that include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even some kinds of fish. The saliva will cause an irritating rash that is a serious nuisance. Much more serious is the role they play in the spread of disease. Mosquito prevention is a vital public-health practice throughout the world especially in the tropics.
Mosquito Transmitted Diseases
In passing from host to host, some mosquitoes transmit extremely harmful infections such as malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. This is the mosquito transmitted disease that has been in the news lately. For those infected with the Zika Virus, there are often mild symptoms or none at all, similar to a very mild form of dengue fever. There is no medication or vaccine to prevent this disease. In January of this year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued travel guidance to affected countries.
Mosquito Prevention in Standing Water
Standing water is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Natural predators help with prevention in permanent bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and streams but standing water can be in any container in your yard that can collect water. It is important to remove mosquito habitats by eliminating areas that allow them to lay eggs. They need water for two stages of their life cycle. It’s important to monitor standing water sources like rain gutters, buckets with water in them, toys that can collect water and plastic covers. Bird feeders and pools need to be emptied and/or drained. Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating. The method of exclusion is performed by using screens and nets.
Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away from You & Your Home
Prevent mosquitoes from biting you by tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps so mosquitoes can’t get to exposed skin. Wear long sleeves and long pants when in high mosquito population areas. Stay indoors at sunset and sunrise as these are the times that mosquitoes are most active. Replacing outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights can help to attract fewer mosquitoes. Use structural barriers to cover gaps in walls, doors, and windows and make sure window and door screens are “bug tight”.
Mosquito Pest Inspections, Control & Removal in San Antonio, Universal City, New Braunfels & Cibolo Texas
Mosquito prevention requires source reduction that eliminates standing water which is the perfect mosquito breeding ground. This often times needs to be combined with chemical products like applying insecticides to vegetation that adult mosquitoes use to rest. Insect growth regulators to prevent mosquito development and microbial insecticide that will cause mortality in their water environments. To prevent these little nuisances, call A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today! We offer an effective mosquito control and barrier spray service that reaches areas from high in trees to low to the ground.
