What diseases do mosquitoes spread?

• West Nile Fever – A flu-like disease caused by the West Nile Virus, West Nile Fever can lead to severe or life-threatening symptoms. Cases in the United States nearly quadrupled during an outbreak in 2012 and have remained a health concern. Mild symptoms include fever, joint pain, rash, headache, fatigue and weakness, with more severe symptoms ranging from paralysis to brain damage and death.
• Zika – A recent outbreak of Zika caused an epidemic in the Americas, with various states reporting infections. This virus, while considered more mild than other mosquito spread diseases, can lead to severe pregnancy complications. Pregnant women infected with Zika can spread the disease to their unborn child, which may lead to microcephaly. Symptoms of Zika Fever include rash, red eyes, headache and joint pain.
• Dengue Fever – Most commonly associated with severe illness, Dengue Fever can cause hemorrhagic bleeding and death. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, headache and sensitivity to light.
• Chikungunya – Common in the Caribbean, Chikungunya has recently been reported and continues to spread throughout the United States. Similar to Dengue and Zika, Chikungunya usually presents with milder symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue and joint pain. A common complication of Chikungunya is persistent joint pain and arthritis that can last for months or years after initial infection.
• Heartworm – Humans are not the only species that can be negatively affected by mosquitoes; man’s best friend, our loyal dogs, are also at risk. Heartworm disease can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries and may lead to death.

How prevalent are mosquitoes in the United States?

There are over 3,500 mosquito species in the world, and nearly 200 of these species are present in the United States, with 12 of these species known to be disease carriers. As female adult mosquitoes can lay up to 1,000-2,000 eggs at a time, it is safe to say that dangerous mosquito populations are highly prevalent in the United States. Without proper mosquito control, these populations can get out of hand.

What is being done to reduce the spread of mosquito borne disease?

As mosquito borne infection continues to pose a significant threat to the United States population, both the EPA and CDC have taken measures to trace cases of infections and increase public awareness of the dangers of mosquitoes. While most local governments have at least some type of mosquito control program, these methods are often not thorough enough. The CDC encourages homeowners to take their own responsibility in the fight against mosquitoes.

How can you get rid of mosquitoes in your yard?

If you are wondering what you can do to get rid of mosquitoes in your own backyard, it’s important to start with yard maintenance. Mosquitoes are attracted to overgrown foliage and damp areas. Additionally, eliminating all sources of standing or stagnant water will help reduce breeding grounds. However, if you are facing a mosquito infestation, the best way to reduce the risk of bites and disease is with professional mosquito extermination.