Mosquitoes are virtually everywhere you go in Georgia. It seems that no matter where you are, especially during the warm season, these bloodsucking pests will find you. Not only can mosquitoes be annoying, but they can also carry dangerous diseases. Across the world every year, millions of people contract mosquito-borne disease. Even more alarming, between 700,000 to 1,000,000 of those people die. With these figures in mind, mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on earth. In recent years, cases of dangerous mosquito-borne diseases have gone up in the south, including Georgia. Also, with mostly humid, warm weather year-round, that risk increases. It’s crucial to know how to prevent these pests and keep your family and pets safe from mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes: A Health Risk
Mosquitoes can carry parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can cause disease. In fact, they’re commonly referred to as a “vector,” an animal that is a known carrier and transmitter of diseases.
Some of the most common illnesses they cause include:
- Dengue
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- St. Louis Encephalitis
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Because mosquitoes spread these diseases through the bloodstream, not only can they be spread to humans, but also to animals, including dogs and cats.
In particular, dogs and cats often contract heartworm disease from mosquitoes. They can also become ill with West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
If your family or pets catch a mosquito-borne disease, symptoms may come on suddenly. Some of these may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Muscle or joint pain
- Vomiting
- Strong, persistent headache
It’s important to act right away and seek medical care if you or a family member experience more serious symptoms like jaundice, high fever, seizures, or encephalitis. Seeking immediate medical care can prevent organ failure or death.
Preventing Mosquitoes
Because you’re likely to run into mosquitoes this spring and summer, it’s critical to take preventative measures to reduce mosquito bites. This starts with reducing your current mosquito population.
Here’s how you can combat mosquitoes in your yard:
- Wear thick clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Pour out any standing water: this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Try to avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Place screens on your windows or use mosquito netting
- When going outdoors, apply mosquito repellent
Turn to Peachtree’s Experts for Mosquito Control
Though there’s many ways to reduce and prevent mosquitoes at home, this won’t completely keep them out of your property. Mosquitoes are known to rapidly reproduce, and some species can lay between 100-200 eggs at once.
Luckily, the professionals at Peachtree can get rid of these pests– and keep them away. We eradicate mosquito infestations at all stages of their life cycle. Additionally, Peachtree’s treatment options are customized to your yard’s layout. If you’re looking for coverage all year-round, we have multiple bundle options that include our monthly mosquito service to help you save money and consolidate your pest control!
Mosquitoes and the health risks they carry may sound a little scary, but with professional pest control, you can cut that risk all together. This year, protect your family and pets from mosquitoes with our effective pest control services.
Call the professionals at Peachtree at (855)732-2487 or fill out our free online quote form today!