Mosquitoes are a member of the fly or Diptera order of insects. Beyond their annoying bites and itchy welts, mosquitoes are known to spread diseases. Because the females feed on blood they play host to some amazingly complex and deadly pathogens such as those responsible for malaria, dog heartworm, yellow fever, Dengue fever, and several forms of encephalitis. What is even more freaky are the emerging diseases that are spread by mosquito such as Zika. On a worldwide basis, mosquitoes are a deadly consequence. Even in the United States, mosquitoes cause serious concerns with health and economic impacts. Let’s explore.
Mosquito-Borne Disease in the United States
There are plenty of people in the US who are infected with Zika. The Zika Map points out the problem. The only thing that is currently keeping the disease from being a full-blown epidemic here is that we do not yet have the specific species of mosquitoes that spread the disease. The key word is yet. Climate change is making it very possible for those mosquitoes acclimated to a tropical environment to move into the US. What that means is that new species of mosquitoes not native to the tropical fringe states — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and even California — will find a home here. With them comes malaria, Zika, yellow fever, Dengue and other diseases.
In the case of Zika, we already have the pathogen present. All that is needed at this point is a mosquito to spread the disease. In fact, in California, a serious situation is unfolding. The mosquitoes responsible for the spread of dengue and yellow fever is now present in California and spreading rapidly. They were imported on plants as eggs and now pose a serious health hazard. This situation is the exact opposite of the Zika situation in the US. We have the mosquito, but not the pathogen. However, health experts know that it is just a matter of time before one of these mosquitoes bites someone who has traveled and carries the pathogen for either Dengue or yellow fever.
Mosquito Control is Critical
Mosquito abatement programs are critical; however, they are often tied to municipal budgets and political funding. As such, they get cut. This leaves homeowners a primary defense against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease. What can you do?
- Remove all standing water, even the smallest of puddles become breeding grounds for mosquitoes
- Utilize chemical defenses to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes
- Support local and state mosquito abatement programs
- Actively manage pest insects
Mosquitoes are no joke. They are already responsible for diseases such as West Nile Virus, Equine encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, and others here in the United States. You don’t have to wait. Be proactive. For more information about Houston mosquito control, contact Preventive Pest Control, which serves the greater Houston, Texas area. For a free inspection: CALL 281-973-5620