Mosquito-Borne Diseases

A Deadly Rival

There are an estimated 3,200 different species of mosquitoes, 174 of which can be found in the United States. These nasty invertebrates are vectors of disease, some of which are extremely detrimental, and even potentially deadly to humans. Mosquito transmitted diseases account for several million deaths worldwide each year, making it one of the deadliest creatures on Earth.

Different Species and Diseases

Common US mosquito species include the Aedes, Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex, Culiseta, Ochlerotatus, and Psorophora. While it may seem inconsequential to be aware of these different breeds, the importance lies in the fact that each species is known for carrying and transmitting different diseases. For example, the Anopheles is notorious for being the primary agent for spreading malaria, and the Culex is well-known for its involvement in outbreaks of the West Nile Virus. Other serious diseases spread by mosquitos include: the Zika Virus, Chikungunya Virus, Dengue, and Yellow Fever.

Protecting Yourself

Mosquitos are attracted to body odors, warmth, movement and, especially, the exhalation of carbon dioxide. Their ability to sense these qualities make them experts at honing in on their human hosts. By putting up shields to block these senses, you have a chance at protecting yourself from a swarm of the pests. Techniques of shielding yourself include, wearing clothing that covers your exposed skin, applying mosquito repellant, burning citronella candles, planting different flowers and herbs that mosquitos have an aversion to such as lavender, or even using oils such as lemon eucalyptus to repel the bloodsuckers.

The Best Mosquito Protection

Scheduling routine Mosquito Control Treatments is the best way to protect yourself and your family from an onslaught of potentially dangerous bites. Our Treatment includes elimination of flea and ticks as well as warding off mosquitos. Your local technician will do a complete treatment of your home, even eliminating mosquito areas of safe harbor around your yard, to best safeguard your family and home from those pesky vectors of disease.

Citation: 

Hill, C. and MacDonald, J. (2008) Purdue University. The College of Agriculture: Entomology.

Available at: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/mosquito.html#top (Accessed: April 2020).

Mosquito-Borne Diseases (2016) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Institue

for Occupational Saftey and Health. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html (Accessed: April 2020).

Mosquitos (2019) National Geographic. National Geographic Partners. Available at:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/mosquitos/ (Accessed: April 2020).