Why Professional Mosquito Control Is Worth It

Mosquito Prevention Starts With Understanding

Summertime is a beautiful time of year in many parts of the country, and North Texas is no exception. But there are a few things that can ruin a perfectly good summer day. A few things or, perhaps, a few hundred things--if we are talking about mosquitoes. Not many things can ruin a cookout, a picnic, a day at the pool, or any other outdoor activity, faster than being attacked by a swarm of hungry mosquitoes! Today, we are going to look at reasons why it is important to protect ourselves from mosquito bites, as well as what you can do about mosquitoes on your property.

Diseases/Health Hazards Mosquitoes Bring

It has always been a less-than-pleasant experience to suffer multiple mosquito bites then be up all night with itchy red welts that turn into little scabs, that STILL itch, for days and days! But in today's world, those mosquito bites are even more of a problem. Not only do they cause severely itchy bites, there is the potential for being infected with a serious disease.

It is worth mentioning that it is possible for a person to be bitten by a mosquito that is carrying a disease, but not present any symptoms. However, that person may then become a carrier for the spread of an infectious disease if a mosquito bites them and then bites another person.

West Nile Virus

While mosquito-spread malaria claims more lives worldwide, West Nile virus is the leading killer here in the United States. Each year as many as 284 deaths are reported because of West Nile. Though most cases are mild and go unreported, possible symptoms of this virus include fever, headache, body ache, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsion, and paralysis.

Chikungunya

This virus is a potentially deadly virus that has appeared in at least 47 states. Though it has not been linked to human mortality, the symptoms can be severe, including the sudden onset of fever and intense joint pain. Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and rash. These usually appear within two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Malaria is a disease that claims the lives of over one million people in the world each year. However, in the U.S. we have seen only isolated outbreaks with around 1,500 to 2,000 cases annually. Symptoms of malaria can include fever and flu-like illness (shaking chills, headache, muscle ache and tiredness.) Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. If not promptly treated, malaria can become severe and may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and even death.

Dengue Fever

Dengue affects nearly one million people worldwide each year and takes the lives of over 20,000. Dengue in the United States is mostly felt in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but we have seen outbreaks in the continental United States as well. Dengue fever is nicknamed "break-bone fever." And for good reason. The severe pain it causes feels similar to having a broken bone.

Symptoms of dengue usually begin four to six days after infection and can last up to ten days. A person infected may experience sudden high fever, severe headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, mild bleeding, and severe joint and muscle pain.

Zika Virus

This virus is relatively new compared to the others, with around 37,000 cases reported in the U.S. territories from January 1, 2015 to June 6, 2018.  Zika is directly linked to a birth defect called microcephaly which can lead to many medical complications for the life of a person.