Mosquitoes are the small, winged insects with a thirst for blood. These creatures spoil any outdoor activities and disturb your sleep with the buzzing sound they make. Plus, they cause an annoying itch while having a feast drinking your blood. This annoying little nuisance is not just your average pest. They are deemed to be the most dangerous creatures that ever walked or rather flew the planet earth. With 3500 kinds of known species around the world, they are known to carry some of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Mosquitoes are the small, winged insects with a thirst for blood. These creatures spoil any outdoor activities and disturb your sleep with the buzzing sound they make. Plus, they cause an annoying itch while having a feast drinking your blood. This annoying little nuisance is not just your average pest. They are deemed to be the most dangerous creatures that ever walked or rather flew the planet earth. With 3500 kinds of known species around the world, they are known to carry some of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Mosquitoes belong to the same group as flies called Diptera meaning "two wings". Actually, the term "mosquito" means "little fly" in Spanish. What differentiates them from other flies is their mouthparts called a proboscis. This long, needle-like tube is used for extracting fluids. Both males and females feed on nectar, aphid honeydew, and other sugary plant juices. But only female mosquitoes are capable of penetrating the skin of humans or animals to suck the necessary protein from the blood of their victim, not for their nourishment but for aiding in egg production.
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide that we exhale. Some research says that people with blood type O are more appealing to them. When a female mosquito feeds, it also injects an enzyme through their saliva that acts as a blood thinner and the reason that their bite itch. This is how they transmit diseases.
Known Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes
The ability of mosquitoes to carry and transfer different viruses and parasites that cause diseases that have infected millions if not billions of people over the years are brought by specific species of mosquitoes, namely Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. Here are some prominent diseases transmitted by them:
Chikungunya Virus
Spread by Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus, it causes an abrupt onset of fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, rash, and debilitating joint pain. Some cases of heart, eyes, gastrointestinal, or neurological complications have been reported. A lot of infected recovers fully, but for some people, the symptoms are mild causing the disease to be undetected. Treatment is directed at relieving the symptoms only.
Zika Virus
Spread by Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and red eyes. Occasionally infected persons are Asymptomatic. Zika Virus can also be spread through intercourse and can also be transmitted through mother to child during pregnancy and may cause neurological problems such as fetal microcephaly.
Dengue Virus
This illness is one of the deadliest illnesses caused by mosquitoes, affecting 5 million people every year. The Dengue virus is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito. The most common symptoms of dengue are fever, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, eye pain typically behind the eyes, rash, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually last about a week and the patient will recover fully. Though some patients will develop a severe case of dengue that may lead to internal bleeding and worst death.
Malaria
Malaria is a deadly disease that is caused by a parasite spread by Anopheles Mosquitoes. The usual symptoms of the disease are fever, tiredness headaches, and vomiting. Severe symptoms include yellowish discoloration of the skin, respiratory distress, severe anemia, seizure, and coma. It is known that symptoms will begin to appear ten to fifteen days after being bitten, and could be fatal if not treated accordingly. Travelers that go to known infected places may be given medications before, during, and after the travel.
West Nile Virus
The primary vector of this disease is Culex Mosquitoes. Most people infected by West Nile Virus don’t show symptoms. Usual symptoms are fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, diarrhea, vomiting and rash, fatigue and weakness may last for weeks. Serious symptoms may develop and affect the central nervous system that may lead to encephalitis or meningitis.
Facts About Mosquitoes
Seeing how deadly these mosquitoes are, you need to know how to prevent and eliminate them. But first, here are some facts that allow us to understand the habits of mosquitoes:
- Mosquitoes are not strong flyers. Compared to their cousins, the mosquito will get left out when there's a race. If you want to eliminate mosquitoes, use this fact to your advantage. Once a mosquito lands on your skin, don't hesitate to squish it with your hands. They're also not as vigilant of their surroundings so they're rather easy to catch. If not, you can simply spray them with essential oils to confuse them and cause frolic. It's an amazing way to exterminate a mosquito immediately.
- Mosquitoes do the dirty dance while mating. This is one of the characteristics that make mosquitoes unique. Awkward as it sounds, their dancing is the reason there is an infestation. If you see mosquitoes dancing in your surroundings, spray it with repellents immediately to prevent another set of breeding. Who knows? They might not notice you because they are too preoccupied wooing each other.
- Mosquitoes are greedy for blood. Scholars and researchers note that mosquitoes bring more than humans drink cocktails. Once they get a taste of your blood, they can't stop. This is why they're called the small vampires. But this is another factor that you can use to your advantage. While the mosquito is feeding, it's easier for you to catch them. Be sure to wash your hands and the site bite after you kill the mosquito to prevent infections and allergies.
- Mosquitoes don't only feed on human blood. If you have pets are around, be sure to protect them from these pesky creatures as well. Mosquitoes can feed on dogs, cats, and birds, especially if they are short-coated. Be sure to treat their surroundings as well to prevent them from contracting allergies and diseases from mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes have short lives. There is a popular belief that mosquitoes only live for 24 hours. However, there is sufficient evidence that supports the fact that mosquitoes can live up to two months. This includes all of their four life stages. If you take mosquito infestations for granted because of the 24 hour-belief, it's time to think twice and upgrade your pest control methods using the following:
Tips For Preventing Mosquito Bites
Remove Standing Waters
Mosquitoes lay their eggs on stagnant water such as old tire, pots, birdbaths, toys, and vases. You may treat standing waters that you can’t drain with natural bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis that do not harm people and pets but could be fatal to mosquito larvae.
Cover Your Body
Wear long sleeves and long pants especially on outdoors. You can treat clothes and gears with Permethrin that repels mosquitoes. Note that permethrin is not directly used on the skin. Used light color clothes as mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors.
Mosquitoes Are Not Allowed Inside
Use screen doors, screen windows, plug-in fans, or air conditioners. You might also want to consider getting a mosquito net for your bed or your baby’s crib.
Clean Your Yard
Get those junks out of your yard, always cut the grasses, clean gutters regularly, don’t let those mosquitoes find a place to thrive.
You may also plant Lavender, Citronella Grass, Basil, Rosemary Neem tree, and many more. These are known to naturally repel mosquitoes. Other options are setting a mosquito trap in your yard or using insecticide spray.
Get Those Repellents
One of the most recommended repellents for mosquitoes is DEET, this is the most common ingredient of most repellents and pesticides. In small amounts, it can help eliminate mosquitoes in the surroundings. Repellents that contain DEET are said to be effective and safe. It blocks the CO2 receptors of mosquitoes making it hard for them to find their next meal.
If you don't know how to use synthetic materials for pest extermination, contact reliable Winston-Salem Exterminators for mosquitoes to do the job for you. With the help of professionals, they can easily eliminate mosquitoes using state-of-the-art methods of pest control.
You can use essential oils and make a spray out of it. Simply combine a generous amount of oil such as citronella, lavender, and geranium with water and store it in a spray bottle. Spray it on areas where mosquitoes are common. Better yet, have the spray with you during outdoor activities and mist your skin with it from time to time.
Mosquitoes are not easily eradicated even if we use all means known to man. They may be gone in a while but expect them to be back anytime soon. So, be pro-active in repelling them away. It’s always better to be preventive rather than suffer from the diseases they bring to you and your family.
If these DIY procedures do not cut infestation, contact Go-Forth Home Services. This pest management company offers the best strategies for pest extermination, management, and prevention. With their upgraded materials, they can effectively eradicate all types of pests that dwell within your surroundings. For the ultimate pest protection for your family, contact professionals, and achieve a secure and nuance-free life.