Mosquitos are a common summer annoyance. This year, however, they are turning up in huge numbers and carrying a number of potentially deadly diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2,000 cases of West Nile were reported in 48 states and Washington D.C last year.
Recent testing on Southern California’s mosquito populations have revealed alarmingly high incidences of West Nile virus. The public is being urged to exercise caution. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself, your home and your family from the encroaching population of disease-carrying mosquitos.
- Keep windows and doors tightly shut to prevent mosquitos from entering your home.
- Avoid spending time outdoors near dusk, when mosquitos are at their most active
- If you must be outside for a long period of time, remember to treat yourself with insect repellent. Repellents containing the chemical DEET are especially helpful in deterring mosquitos.
- Have your property treated by a pest control specialist for the most complete mosquito protection for your family
It’s also important to check your property for areas where mosquitos might be multiplying. The first stages of a mosquito’s life take place in standing water. Puddles around your home, bird baths, pots and buckets filled with rainwater and clogged gutters are all prime locations for mosquitos to lay their eggs. From fertilization to flight, mosquitos can breed in as little as a week.
Once you’ve treated for existing mosquito problems, taken personal precautions and secured your property against mosquito breeding areas, you should be relatively safe from mosquito-borne illnesses. However, mosquitos are tricky and there are always opportunities to get bit.
If you’ve already suffered from mosquito bites, there is no need to panic. Only about 20 percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus actually develop classic symptoms. These include flu-like symptoms such as high fever, achy body and head, rashes on the skin, disorientation, swollen glands on the neck and armpit and lethargy.
More severe symptoms can develop into neurological illness, paralysis and death. These, however, are extremely rare, occurring in less than one percent of cases of West Nile virus infection.
If have some of these symptoms and you think you may be suffering with West Nile virus, Zika, malaria or any other mosquito-borne illness, contact your local medical professional. Symptom development time varies between sufferers, so don’t waste time if you think you have one of these. Treatment should be given immediately.
Also, be sure to call the Centers for Disease Control so they can do their part to secure your area against further infections.
Got mosquitos? For professional mosquito extermination, call Preventive Pest Control.