Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes

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Like many pests, mosquitoes can carry a variety of pathogens that can be transferred to humans which makes the elimination and prevention of mosquitoes extremely important. When they are ready to lay their eggs, female mosquitoes will feed on blood from a human or animal to give the nutrients to the eggs. The female will use her long proboscis to pierce the skin and drink blood. If she feeds on an infected individual or animal, she can pass the disease to a new host.

Infectious Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes spread disease by biting an infected individual or animal and then biting another person, transmitting the disease. The five most common pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes:

• West Nile Virus

• Zika Virus

• Dengue Fever

• Malaria

• Chikungunya

Even though these diseases are fairly uncommon in the United States and usually only a risk to travelers, there have been small pockets of West Nile Virus outbreaks within the United States. It is important to ensure through regular extermination and population control of mosquitoes that there are no larger outbreaks of the virus.

How to Avoid Getting Bitten

Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to humans but there are a few things you can do to make yourself a less attractive target to mosquitoes:

• Wear loose, lightly colored clothing: Mosquitos are attracted to dark clothing and are able to bite through thin, tight fabric. Wearing loose-fitting clothing in light colors will help you avoid being a snack!
• Use mosquito repellant: According to the CDC insect repellant sprays using DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol(PMD) are the most effective chemicals to keep mosquitoes away.
• Remove standing water: Female mosquitoes will look for areas with standing water to lay their eggs. Make sure to get rid of any standing water around your yard.
• Skip the perfume: Mosquitos are attracted to floral-scented perfumes and lotions. Skipping these will make you a less attractive target.
• Keep them out: If you open any windows or doors make sure they have screens without any holes to stop any mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Stay inside during active hours: Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening. Avoiding spending time outside during these times will help keep you bite-free.

Preventing Mosquitos

The best way to ensure you do not contract a disease from a mosquito is to keep them away from your outdoor areas with regular preventative extermination. A skilled exterminator will be able to find the areas where mosquitoes are likely to lay their eggs and stop mosquitoes before they turn into a larger nuisance. Give the skilled exterminators at Rocket Pest a call today at 864-232-2406 for a free quote and to keep your outdoor areas pest free!