Mosquitos 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, an 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.
Transmission of Mosquito Diseases
In passing from host to host, some transmit extremely harmful infections such as malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. This is the one that has been in the news lately. The infection is known as Zika fever. 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. The chemical DEET repels some mosquitos. DEET is the most common active ingredient in insect repellants. Scientists originally thought that DEET worked by making it difficult for mosquitos to find their target because it interfered with their antennae. Researchers have now discovered that they actually don’t like the smell of DEET and simply stay away from it.
Mosquito Prevention in Standing Bodies of Water
Standing water is where mosquitos lay eggs. Natural predators help with prevention in permanent bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and streams. 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. Another approach is to introduce a large number of sterile males into the environment. Repellants can be applied to the skin to give short-term protection against mosquito bites. There are also electronic insect repellant devices which will produce ultrasounds that were developed to keep them away.
Ways to Keep Mosquitos Away
Prevent mosquitos from biting you by tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps so they can’t get to exposed skin. Wear long sleeves and long pants when in high mosquito population areas. Stay indoors at sunrise and sunrise as these are the times that mosquitos are most active. Replacing outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights can help to attract fewer mosquitos. Use structural barriers to cover gaps in walls, doors, and windows and make sure window and door screens are “bug tight”.
Mosquito Pest Fogging Control, Removal & More in Chelsea, Trussville, Pinson, Argo, Odenville, Springville, Moody, Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills & Birmingham, Alabama
Prevention requires source reduction that eliminates standing water which is perfect mosquito breeding ground. This often times needs to be combined with chemical products like applying insecticides to vegetation that adult mosquitos use to rest. Insect growth regulators to prevent mosquito development and microbial insecticide that will cause mortality in their water environments. To prevent mosquitoes and other pests, call Guardian Pest & Wildlife Control today!
