As we progress into early summer, we can expect rainstorms to leave standing water all over.
That means mosquito larvae by the millions.
And as mosquito season begins in earnest, it’s time to be aware of the health risks these insects can pose. It also helps to learn how to get rid of mosquitos on your property.
Transmission by mosquitos
Mosquito-borne diseases are caused by pathogens carried and transmitted by mosquitoes during blood meals. Among the most notorious of these illnesses are Zika virus and West Nile virus. But there’s also Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and malaria. Each of these presents unique symptoms and potential complications. They range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological issues and in extreme cases, death.
The transmission of these diseases occurs when infected mosquitoes bite humans, injecting the pathogens into their bloodstream. Once inside the body, these pathogens replicate and spread, leading to illness.
Some counties in Florida occasionally see mosquito-borne diseases – for example, dengue fever and West Nile virus. The overall threat to the average person remains low. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the health risks and take appropriate measures. It’s important to minimize mosquito populations where possible.
Mosquito prevention: halting population explosions
Prevention plays a crucial role in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Measures include eliminating standing water that serves as breeding sites. Make sure to empty birdbaths, plastic wading pools, buckets, pet bowls and, if possible, puddles. Also, it’s imperative to remove trash that can facilitate water accumulation. This includes old appliances, tires, drums, etc. All of these measure will help you get rid of mosquitos.
Public efforts to combat mosquito-borne illnesses involve such initiatives as mosquito control programs and community education about prevention strategies. Additionally, ongoing research seeks to develop new treatments and mosquito control methods to further reduce the burden of these diseases on global health.
