Dangers Of A Growing Mosquito Infestation

Mosquito infestations are a serious problem that can hinder our daily lives. It’s not uncommon for us to battle mosquitoes inside our homes, but what about a whole infestation of them? Mosquitoes can be overwhelming especially when there are a lot, as well as the dangers they have with them.

If you want more information, continue reading here to learn the dangers of an increasing mosquito population.

1. You Are Prone To Get Diseases

Depending on your location, mosquitos are a real struggle, even if you’re dealing with one of them, especially if you reside in an area that is more prone to moisture and water.

Like the time today, even mosquitoes are evolving rapidly. Doctors and scientists discover new viruses or diseases that mosquitoes might carry. You should hope they aren’t discovering more because such diseases can be acquired with just one bite.

Although not all mosquitoes carry viruses, its process happens only if an infected mosquito bites you, then you’ll probably get sick after. Such common diseases present in the United States that come from mosquitoes are:

Dengue

This infection is accompanied by body aches and pains, vomiting, skin rashes, and nausea. In some instances, some patients also go through frequent nose bleeding, or they experience all the symptoms at once.

Malaria

Malaria is commonly known to be a disease that a parasite has caused. Most people infected by malaria experience chills, high fevers, and other flu-type symptoms.

Yellow Fever

The name itself also gives the same fever symptoms as dengue and malaria. However, yellow fever also includes pain relating to the liver, which is also accompanied by yellow skin pigmentation.

Now, these three diseases listed aren’t the only ones you could get from a single mosquito bite. It’s important to note that there’s also the Zika virus and the Chikungunya virus. There are also more fatal ones, some of which are:

  • Western Equine Encephalitis
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis
  • West Nile Virus
  • Jamestown Canyon Virus

Encephalitis is technically a disease that makes a person’s brain swell up. It is uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a danger.

2. Even Your Pets Aren’t Safe

Humans aren’t the only ones who find mosquitoes a nuisance. Even your pets are at risk if exposed to them, especially when they are the type that is used to roaming outside. In addition, it’s not just about the annoying buzz they make and their bites; pets are also prone to get:

Heartworm Disease

One of the fatal diseases a pet can get is heartworm. In a simple sense, these worms will block your pet’s blood flow. Consequently, preventing the nutrients that travel through the blood vessels and then to your pet’s heart and lungs.

Skin Irritation

A possible allergic reaction from a mosquito bite is a mild effect on your pet. It is comparable to the redness and small bumps its bite causes on human skin.

But if you are to talk about this in terms of a growing infestation. Too much skin irritation can lead to scarring on your pet’s skin since pets cannot control their urges to scratch an itchy area.

West Nile Virus

Pets are also able to acquire this virus through a mosquito bite. But it is on the milder side compared to its effect on humans. Common symptoms on pets or animals in general include:

  • Inability to move to places (walk or fly)
  • Shakiness or trembling
  • The feeling of weakness.

3. It Gets Difficult To Get Rid Of Them

A growing infestation can increase the chances of acquiring a virus or disease. In a simpler explanation, the first two listed dangers are now at greater risk the more mosquitoes there are in your area. Each mosquito carries germs with them, and who knows what other diseases it might carry.

The situation gets out of hand quickly, and they can go unnoticed, especially if plants hover over an area. A single mosquito that you cannot catch is already bothersome enough. Imagine if hundreds of them are swarming around, waiting for an organism they could bite.

Fun fact: Mosquitoes use the blood they get to make their babies or eggs healthy. Consequently, hatching them sooner.

Even if you use any “anti-mosquito” liquids to make them vanish, inhaling these chemicals can affect your health. Plus, pets are genuinely curious about everything when they go outside. So there’s a chance that they might inhale or ingest the chemicals accidentally, which will escalate to your pet getting sick.

Smoking or using other home remedies can also cause inconvenience for your neighbors, especially when you are just renting out a place. You must follow such policies because some remedies you find online might not be appropriate in your location.

In addition, mosquitoes are quick to repopulate even in the same area. So, you’re just wasting a lot of money and effort puffing out chemicals just for mosquitoes to nest in the same place after some time.

Generally, any still water around your area is where mosquitoes could lay their eggs. Examples include water from a bucket, puddles, and even your pet’s drinking water is not safe, especially if it’s left untouched for a long time.

As long as the water is stagnant, it’s an invitation for a mosquito to lay eggs and infest a corner of your place.

Using Mosquito Repellants

Using plants or devices against these pests can only help repel or prevent them from getting to you. But that does not guarantee a permanent way to get rid of them.

However, for added safety, you can still try getting one of the most effective mosquito repellant plants like:

  • Citronella
  • Mint
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender

But again, these plants do not kill the pests and only redirect the mosquitoes in a different direction. They would still get inside your home, especially when you don’t have these plants around your property.

Conclusion

The best way to fight against a mosquito infestation is to avoid giving the pests a way to reproduce. One hundred eggs are common for a single mosquito to produce. Plus, they lay eggs as often as three times during their mating season. Remember, that’s a single pest alone. What if 5 or more mosquitos lay eggs in an area near you?

If you are already suspecting a growing mosquito infestation, do not hesitate to call Knockout Mosquito to assist you!