West Nile virus is a virus that spreads to people most commonly through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with it (about 80%) never develop symptoms, about 1 in 5 develop a fever with symptoms such as headache and body aches, and less than 1% develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system. No licensed vaccines or medicines prevent or treat West Nile virus disease in people, so the practical defense is avoiding mosquito bites and reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home.
The risk of severe illness increases with age, certain chronic medical conditions and a weakened immune system, and CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention for warning signs such as high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or tremors. All states in the contiguous United States have reported cases. Saela Pest Control, a residential and commercial pest control company based in Orem, Utah, treats properties for mosquitoes, and West Nile is one of several health threats linked to mosquitoes.
Reducing mosquitoes around your home starts with standing water, because mosquitoes lay their eggs near water. CDC’s guidance on mosquito control at home recommends emptying and scrubbing, turning over, covering or throwing out items that hold water once a week, including tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths and flowerpot saucers. Saela’s mosquito control service adds mist treatments aimed at resting sites such as shaded foliage and the areas beneath porches, along with guidance on reducing standing water around the property.
Mosquito control works best as an ongoing program rather than a single spray. Saela follows an integrated pest management cycle of pest identification, activity monitoring, targeted treatment and evaluation, and adjusts the plan based on the results. In an October 2019 Google review, roc chervanik wrote, “Great job never a problem tech showed up on time,” and said they “will continue to use this company.” Saela’s Altamonte Springs, Florida location is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 341 reviews on Google as of October 2026.
Saela quotes service based on pest type, location, property size, visit frequency and treatment products rather than publishing one universal price, so you can see how Saela prices its plans before you call. For more on what draws mosquitoes to a property in the first place, read what attracts mosquitoes to your yard.
Frequently asked questions about West Nile virus
Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?
No. According to CDC, no licensed vaccines or medicines are available to prevent or treat West Nile virus disease in people, so preventing mosquito bites is the main protection.
Who is most at risk of severe West Nile illness?
Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness. Most infected people have no symptoms at all.
What is the most effective way to reduce mosquitoes in a yard?
Remove standing water every week and treat the shaded, humid places where adult mosquitoes rest, such as dense foliage and the space under decks and porches. If mosquitoes are still a problem after you clear standing water, book a call with Saela to have your property inspected.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
