Are Mosquitoes a Real Health Threat?

When you think of the most annoying pests on Earth, mosquitoes probably come to mind. Mosquitoes suck — literally. They use their proboscis, or mouth parts, to feed off your blood. You are then left with skin irritation in the form of a red bump and itching due to an allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva.

While having a mosquito bite can be irritating, it’s not as bad as getting a serious disease. You may have heard about mosquitoes causing illnesses such as malaria, dengue virus, Zika, and West Nile virus, but is it really true? You don’t know anyone who has gotten sick from a mosquito bite. Are mosquitoes really that dangerous?

They actually are. Mosquito bites can be serious, disabling, and even deadly. In the United States alone, there are approximately 200 types of mosquitoes. All can cause harm to humans and even pets. So yes, they are a huge threat. In fact, mosquitoes are considered to be dangerous.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to get infestations under control. If you have a problem with mosquitoes ruining your yard, call The PEST Group today. Our team of professionals can safely exterminate mosquitoes and other pests from your home or yard. We offer many services that can help you take back your yard so you can enjoy summertime fun outdoors once again.

Mosquitoes and their Effects on Humans

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors for major human diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and malaria. Every year, these diseases infect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Millions are killed.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 50% of the world’s population is presently at risk from mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are effective transmitters of disease, even more so than flies. That’s because fly feeding habits are different from mosquito biting habits.

Here are some of the most common health threats from mosquitoes in more detail:

●  Zika virus. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain. Fortunately, this disease is usually mild and goes away on its own.

●  West Nile virus. Birds are natural hosts of the West Nile virus, although mosquitoes can get it and transmit it to humans and other mammals. West Nile virus can cause neurological disease and death. In many cases, it leads to West Nile fever.

●  Yellow fever. Yellow fever is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle pains. Symptoms typically improve within five days, although in some cases, the fever may come back and cause liver damage, internal bleeding, and kidney problems.

●  Dengue fever. Dengue fever rarely occurs within the continental United States, but has occurred in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas in the past. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, rash, eye pain, muscle pain, and joint pain.

●  Malaria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Travelers are more likely to get this disease, as it is common in Africa, South Asia, Central America, and South America. Malaria is a serious illness that causes high fevers and shaking chills, although it can be cured if caught early.

Mosquitoes and Their Effects on Dogs

Mosquitoes can also bite your dog. They are usually drawn to a wider surface on your dog, like the back or the back legs.

Dogs will scratch these itchy bites, but the more serious issue is that dogs can sometimes get heartworms from mosquito bites. This is why you probably have your dog on some sort of medication to prevent these worms. Infected mosquito bites can introduce immature worms into the bloodstream of your dog. They enter the heart of your dog and may result in death.

Mosquitoes can also cause infections such as West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. However, both are rare in dogs.

Contact Us Today

Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can cause diseases and other health problems to humans and pets. If you have an infestation, it’s important to get it under control quickly to prevent bites, diseases, and other issues.

The PEST Group can help you get rid of mosquitoes and other pests quickly. You’ll be satisfied with our services. We serve California, Hawaii, and Florida. To schedule a free residential or commercial inspection, fill out the online form or give us a call at 888-801-3220.