Fast and efficient, it has been described as one of the most relentless stalkers on earth. It is constantly hungry and dines almost exclusively upon human blood using a tiny, needle like probe. It can lay eggs in bottle caps, flower pots, and discarded pet bowls and it has wreaked havoc on cities and tormented populations across the world for decades.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes Aegypti Transmits Diseases like Dengue Fever, Chikungunya & Zika Virus
There are literally thousands of species of mosquitoes that inhabit the plant, but very few have proven to more deadly to humans than the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). It is responsible for the spread of epidemics across the globe including Dengue fever, Yellow fever, Chikungunya and more recently, Zika virus. In fact, scientists have known for centuries that Aedes aegypti is one of the most efficient killers in the world. Aedes aegypti was responsible for an outbreak of yellow fever in 1890’s in Panama; it caused an outbreak of sickness during the Spanish-American War along with deadly yellow fever outbreaks during the 19th century in Virginia, Memphis and New Orleans. Studies indicate that as many as 20 million people are infected with Dengue fever each year.
Infected Yellow Fever Mosquito Bites & Disease Transmission
What makes the Aedes aegypti mosquito such an efficient disease transmitting machine? According to the experts it is partly biological make up and partly its uncanny ability to adapt. The genetic makeup and feeding habits of the Aedes aegypti make it the ideal vector for spreading disease among humans. Typically a female mosquito will drink blood to provide protein to her eggs from an already infected person. Once the blood makes it way to the mosquitoes mid gut it would normally remain there and the transmission would end. The Aedes aegypti differs in what entomologists refer to as “vector competence”, meaning that the virus replicates within the mosquito and is essentially funneled back to the salivary glands. Once the mosquito bites another person, it transmits the virus to a new host in a continuing cycle of infection. The Aedes aegypti is an aggressive daytime biter, especially around dawn and dusk. They are also referred to as a “sip feeders” and will feed on multiple hosts, making the spread of disease more likely. According the entomologists, they don’t have a powerful bite, will approach from behind and launch an attack on areas such as the elbows and ankles where they are less likely to be detected and slapped at.
Aedes Aegypti Life Cycle & Adaptation
The Aedes aegypti is found in more than half of the world’s population and has learned to evolve within areas where humans live, particularly urban environments that are strewn with open containers and trash allowing the mosquitoes to breed in the tiniest spots in and around homes. The larvae doesn’t rely on water to survive and the eggs have the capability of lying dormant for a year on more and will only hatch once they have been submerged in water. The eggs are sticky in nature and can stick to containers such as old tires, the edges around birdbaths, plastic cups, vases in cemeteries, plates underneath potted plants and even toilet tanks, shower stalls and clogged rain gutters. The female is the only one that bites and can lay 100 to 200 eggs after each blood meal and has the capacity to produce many batches of eggs within her lifespan. According to researchers, the mosquito is very similar to cockroaches in that they have evolved to changes in human behavior and habitation and have become proficient in thriving around areas where people are known to reside in close proximity. According to WHO (World Health Organization) the Aedes aegypti is opportunistic with an uncanny ability to changing environments and has exploited opportunities given by the increase in international air travel and the rapid urbanization in areas that are overpopulated and impoverished.
Mosquito Pest Inspections, Prevention, Control & Removal in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Cibolo, Seguin, Canyon Lake Texas
With warm weather right around the corner, the Zika virus is sure to spread even more rapidly and cases of infection are sure to escalate. The knowledgeable experts at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control recommend taking a proactive stance against the spread of infection. Contact us today and speak with a knowledgeable customer service specialist about our comprehensive pest control programs. We offer an effective mosquito fogging system that can reach everywhere in your backyard from low to the ground and up into the trees!
