Mosquitoes are a summertime nuisance across the country, and dealing with them has become routine for many homeowners. What some homeowners may not know about pest control in Dunwoody are the dangerous diseases carried by mosquitoes. Learn more about the risks posed by mosquitoes and how you can protect yourself and your family.
Most Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes that bite humans are known to spread several diseases through blood-to-blood contact. Mosquitoes are vector species for malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and the newest disease: Zika. While some of these diseases are not spread by mosquitoes here in the United States, it's important to take steps to limit your exposure to mosquitoes. Each of these diseases can have detrimental effects on your health if left unchecked.
Warning Signs To Watch For When Bitten By A Mosquito
Mosquitoes are a dangerous pest when left unchecked, but there are a number of warning signs to look out for when you're bitten by a mosquito. The first concern should be for an allergic reaction: if you have severe swelling, soreness, or pain after a mosquito bite, you may be experiencing this. Hives, nausea, and fever are additional symptoms of severe reactions.
While there aren't any immediate warning signs of a disease transmitted from mosquito bites, you can look for any abnormal sickness within a few hours or days. Be cautious as, while rare, mosquito bites can transmit some of the aforementioned diseases in the U.S. When bitten by a mosquito, observe your condition carefully and be sure not to scratch the site; infection can cause symptoms to linger longer than normal.
Helpful Tips To Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
The best possible solution to a pest control problem is to prevent one from occurring in the first place, and the same applies to mosquitoes. Here are a few ways you can prevent mosquitoes from biting you and reducing their numbers on your property:
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors whenever possible. Thicker clothing is better at keeping mosquitoes from biting, but any amount of protection will minimize bites.
- Install screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes and other flying invaders from entering your home. Keep windows and doors shut if they don't have a screen, especially during times of higher mosquito activity, such as afternoons and evenings.
- Get rid of any standing water around your yard, including water in birdbaths, kiddie pools, flower pots, and other containers.
- Wear mosquito repellent that contains DEET or other deterrent materials. Consider also purchasing citronella candles to ward mosquitoes off.
- Grow plants that deter mosquitoes in your yard, like basil, mint, lavender, and citronella.
Prevention strategies can help mitigate the risks of mosquitoes, but for the best protection, there's a better way to deal with high populations of mosquitoes.
Professional Mosquito Control Offers Top Quality Protection
The mosquito control professionals at Tuxedo Mosquito Control have the experience and knowledge to remove the root of a mosquito infestation. Our experts can regularly inspect and protect your home all year round to prevent repeat offenders from taking away your outdoor experience. Top-of-the-line protection is easily achieved when you let pest control specialists take care of your home and property. Contact the Dunwoody mosquito control experts at Tuxedo Mosquito Control today.