Mosquitoes

MOSQUITOES

Today I am going to talk about mosquitoes. Because we deal with them every summer for our entire lives, we kind of take for granted the fact that they are around. Unfortunately mosquitoes are the biggest danger to humans. More dangerous than sharks, lions and dogs, even more dangerous than other humans! They kill an estimated 725,000 people PER YEAR. Those numbers are somewhat mind boggling. 

From+Dusk+Till+Dawn.jpgFrom+Dusk+Till+Dawn From Dusk Till Dawn / Vampire

It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as best as you can. The peak time for mosquitoes to be out in our area is ‘From Dusk till Dawn’. And much like the vampires in that movie, mosquitoes are out for blood. Only the female mosquitoes bite, the males feed on plant nectar. A female will hunt you out by detecting body heat and carbon dioxide. So sitting in one place may prove to be more beneficial than being up and moving around, as movement will make you warmer and cause you to breathe heavier resulting in more carbon dioxide emission. 

A mosquitoes larvae requires moisture and they can breed in any form of stagnant water. This includes ponds, marshes, storm drains, etc. Adult mosquitoes like to hang out in vegetation like tall grass and shrubs. There are a few steps you can take to help decrease the mosquito population around your home. 

Mosquito.jpgMosquito Mosquito

5 WAYS TO HELP KEEP MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR YARD 

  • Discard containers of standing water around your home. (pottery, flower pots, garbage can lids, etc)
  • Once a week empty wading pools and bird baths and refill with clean water
  • Keep your grass short and your shrubbery trimmed 
  • Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated 
  • Keep gutters clean and unclogged 

It’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. As I mentioned above, mosquitoes pose a real threat to the health of humans. 

3 STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES 

  • Use an insect repellent that contains DEET 
  • Where loose fitting, light colored clothing with long sleeves and pants 
  • Utilize screens on your doors and windows 

Fight+The+Bite.jpgFight+The+Bite Fight the Bite

Mosquitoes are vectors of many diseases. This means they pass them on to humans. Some of these diseases include West Nile Virus, Malaria and Yellow Fever. West Nile Virus has become a major concern in the US recently. While there have not been many cases of West Nile in Illinois and Indiana over the last few years, the risk is still there. Symptoms of West Nile Virus are very similar to common flu symptoms. In some extreme cases there may be high fever, body aches, worsening weakness and confusion. Report any dead birds such as blue jays and crows as this is one of the first signs that the West Nile Virus is in your area. 

Following these steps will help to ensure that you are able to enjoy your summer. If you have any further questions about mosquitoes, their bites or how to prevent them, please contact Rapid Pest Solutions.