The world is currently seeing and experiencing a pandemic of epic proportions, as it has not only resulted in sickness and death, but it has also seen thousands of companies big or small collapsing under the weight of the coronavirus. By the time the smoke clears, millions would be jobless, with few companies to turn to as they have shut down
We are now fighting an enemy that we could not see; so little is known about it because it is so new. Scientists are scrambling to know more about it because you cannot fight an enemy you do not know anything about.
While everyone else is reeling from the virus, there are still some creatures that have continued to thrive, oblivious to the effects of the virus on their human hosts. To these creatures, it is still business as usual. Well, we humans just could not take a break this 2020.
Local mosquito exterminators have been receiving questions from Lexington residents about coronavirus and mosquitoes, and it is a valid concern. After all, mosquitoes are known to be transmitters of several deadly diseases.
In this article, Go-Forth Home Services, the leading pest control company in Lexington since 1959, will try to set the records straight about mosquitoes and coronavirus.
What We Know About COVID-19 So Far
COVID-19 is a new disease, and very little has been known about it. Scientists are frantically looking for a vaccine that could end this problem once and for all. A few months ago, all early information used to come from China. As months passed, information about the virus came in trickles from other sources. It has been observed that the people who are at higher risk of being infected are the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. Those who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are immunocompromised people. Health care workers also are at high risk and have high mortality rates.
However, it should be noted that there are quite a number of well-known celebrities and professional athletes who were now infected. It can be said, therefore, that the virus can infect anyone. Months ago, it was thought that children are less prone to infection, but this proved to be false as many children were infected with COVID-19.
The progression of the disease varies widely. Some are asymptomatic. Some have mild symptoms, others need intensive care in the hospital.
Transmission
Learning about how COVID-19 is transmitted is vital to fight off this pandemic. This way, we can stop coronavirus dead on its tracks. Admittedly, based on what has been happening worldwide, it is tougher than we think. The number of people getting infected continues to rise. Still, these guidelines can at least minimize the risks. Cutting off a few percentage points would be a big help already.
Here are ways we can get the virus:
1. Transmission through hands - When someone sneezes or coughs, tiny infectious droplets may reach your hands. If a person has the virus and shakes hands with another person, and that person touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth, the transmission could happen and you may get infected.
2. Transmission through close and prolonged contact - Being closer than 3 feet for more than 15 minutes to an infected person puts you at high risk. Again, droplets coming from an infected person’s mouth just by simply talking could reach you, so it is better to keep your distance.
3. Transmission through droplets - If a person next to you sneezes or coughs, the tiny droplets might land on your eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. The virus can stay alive on surfaces for a couple of days - Touching a surface previously held by an infected person can put you at risk. Always wash your hands at every opportunity.
Is COVID-19 Treatable?
The good news is the mortality rate is considerably low. While hundreds of thousands have already lost their life due to this disease, more than a million more survived. COVID-19 is still at its infancy stage; there is no cure nor vaccine yet. Treatment, for now, is limited to easing the symptoms while being isolated to protect other people. In some cases, patients have to be in intensive care involving artificial ventilation.
How Did It Start Anyway?
We can truly say is that this is the most destructive event since World War II, that is for sure. Much of the early part of the year 2019 was generally peaceful and uneventful. The United States economy was riding high and unemployment was at an all-time low. That was, until December 2019. The coronavirus showed up all so suddenly from Wuhan, China.
It was then a strange new illness seen in patients who are living in the city of Wuhan. High fever, dry cough, bluish lips or face, and shortness of breath are the symptoms. Close contact with infected persons can get you infected. A person exhibiting these signs has to be taken to a hospital for further checking. That person would be tested for the COVID-19 infection.
Chinese officials quickly pointed to eating infected bats bought from a Wuhan local market as the origin of COVID-19. The city of Wuhan hosts an exotic meats market that sells bat meat, among others. Initially, the disease was spread from animals to humans. Eventually, transmission from human to another human became possible. As of this blog post, almost 2 million people have been stricken of the disease worldwide, with the U.S. becoming the epicenter.
Mosquitoes Do Not Transmit The Coronavirus
We can call mosquitoes many things, but they are not transmitters of the coronavirus. Sure, we can call them mass-murderers, or the most dangerous creatures on the planet, because they truly deserve those titles. But they have never, ever participated in the transmission of the coronavirus.
These fears were based on the mosquitoes’ ability to suck blood from human hosts, then go over to another human to suck more blood. Fortunately, no studies have proved that this is true since the coronavirus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets.
However, this does not absolve mosquitoes from any crime. They still transmit several dangerous diseases and continue to kill. Now, health experts are preparing for this year’s wave of dengue fever infections, alongside their fight against COVID-19.
Why Do We Need Local Lexington Exterminators Against Mosquitoes?
As previously mentioned, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. They transmit deadly diseases, which include dengue fever, malaria, West Nile fever, encephalitis, and elephantiasis. These creatures have killed more people than all the wars in history combined. Today, they continue to kill millions of people all over the world. They are able to spread these diseases by sucking blood from humans.
The thing with mosquitoes is that they do not even need blood to live. They actually eat something else, like nectar. They suck blood because they need it in order to fertilize their eggs. This means that only the female adult mosquitoes suck blood, that is why they are the only ones with the necessary mouthparts for bloodsucking. Their mouths have two tubes: one for secreting an enzyme that would prevent blood from clotting, and the other is to suck the blood.
Before You Call Your Local Lexington NC Exterminator
Try prevention first. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep them away:
1. Remove old items that can store water for a long time. These items include old tires, cans, old gutters, water containers, abandoned birdbaths, and other items of similar nature. Mosquitoes love to breed in standing water, though this water should be in one area for at least 7 days.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outdoors. This will minimize exposed skin that mosquitoes can bite. Of course, wear face masks too.
3. Apply mosquito repellent on your skin. Make sure to buy one with the active ingredient DEET for added protection.
4. Mosquitoes somehow find their way into the bedroom. They use their sense of smell to home in on their hosts. Use a mosquito net while sleeping.
5. You may also turn on the electric fan to deter them from getting near you. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so the wind coming from the fan can disrupt their flight pattern.
If all else fails, then there is still someone you can turn to. Someone who will make sure you and your family are safe from mosquitoes. These are your friendly local pest control professionals.
For the best pest control company in Lexington, NC, call Go-Forth Home Services.
Keep your family safe from malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile fever by getting rid of mosquitoes in your property. Go-Forth Home Services will work with you in coming up with the best solution to your pest problems.