You douse yourself in sticky, smelly repellent but you can still hear the high-pitched buzz floating around your ears, and you still wake up with itchy welts on your body. For most of us, mosquitoes are more annoying than dangerous. They’re just a part of life and we can’t do much to help it. But mosquitoes can be deadly, and we need to remember to take the threat seriously. So, how dangerous are mosquitoes in Columbia?
About Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes have been on earth for over 200 million years and are represented by some 3,000 species today. These flying insects depend on fresh blood for survival and will prey on birds, reptiles, mammals, and human beings. They can vary in color from gray to even green or blue, and most species measure between just 1/8 and 3/8 inch in size.
Mosquitoes require an area of still water to breed and can often be found around ponds, swamps, and marshes. But a female mosquito only needs about the amount of water found in a bottle cap to lay her eggs, and standing water in buckets, pots, and birdbaths around your yard can provide a place for them to breed.
Besides their dependence on water and blood, there’s one other thing to know about mosquitoes: they spread deadly diseases.
Why Mosquitoes Are Dangerous
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet. Every year, diseases contracted from mosquitoes result in approximately one million deaths worldwide, although some estimates place the number of mosquito-related deaths as high as two million. It’s estimated that nearly 700 million people contract a mosquito-borne illness annually.
The diseases that mosquitoes carry can cause a horrifying variety of symptoms, including neurological impairment and birth defects. West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue, and malaria are some of the most common and most harmful illnesses that mosquitoes spread.
Mosquito Prevention Tips
It’s important to keep your guard up against mosquitoes and reduce the factors that attract them. From what you wear to what you drink, you can prevent mosquitoes with a few simple adjustments in your routine:
- Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are visual creatures and find victims with dark-colored clothing more appealing. Wearing white, tan, or pastel colors can reduce your chances of being targeted.
- Avoid alcohol. Given the choice, mosquitoes seem to prefer the blood of people who have ingested alcohol. Something to consider the next time you’re at an outdoor party.
- Stay indoors at twilight. Mosquitoes are at their most active during the twilight hours of sunrise and sunset. Try to avoid spending long amounts of time outdoors at these times of day.
Besides making changes to your personal habits, there are some things you can do around your property to ward off dangerous mosquitoes:
- Reduce standing water. Inspect your yard for anywhere that water collects, including backed-up gutters and drains. Dump out any standing water. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it’s properly chlorinated and try to cover it when not in use.
- Do some yard work. When mosquitoes aren’t near water, they’re likely hiding out in dense vegetation. Cut back any overgrown hedges, shrubs, or weeds growing in your yard. Keep a short, trimmed lawn to prevent mosquitoes from congregating.
- Use natural predators. Bats and fish love to eat mosquitoes. If you’re willing to install a few bat houses around your property, it can have a big impact on the population of mosquitoes. Introducing mosquito-eating fish to ponds can be highly beneficial as well.
If you’re having trouble with mosquitoes on your property in Columbia, get in touch with the experts at Go-Forth Home Services. Our comprehensive mosquito control services target these dangerous pests where they breed and rest, eliminating the problem at the source. Whether you need a residential pest control plan for your home or a commercial pest control plan for your business, our regular visits will ensure that your property is protected from mosquitoes and you can get back to enjoying your time outside. Get in touch with us today for your free quote.