We all despise them!
Those pesky little insects buzzing around these warm summer nights. Sometimes you can hear them and can avert a bite with a swat of the hand. Sometimes they sneak in and get you.
How can such a small little insect cause so much discomfort?
Well, my mother always told me not to scratch the mosquito bites but, it’s really difficult. Soon they are inflamed and itch like crazy!
More than just the annoyance though, there is the real possibility of disease. You see, about 10 percent of the 2000 species of mosquitoes live in North America. They thrive in humid and damp areas (yeah I know, Hello Texas!), mosquitoes reproduce quickly.
These biting pests can carry a myriad of diseases:
- West Nile Virus – Considered a seasonal epidemic in North America, West Nile virus makes the news nearly every summer. Symptoms include inflammation of the brain, and can be fatal in some patients.
- Malaria – An exotic sounding mosquito-borne disease can actually be found around the world. Mostly in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the South Pacific. Symptoms can vary from one patient to another, and include fever, body aches, coma, and death.
- Dengue fever – This disease can be found in the tropics, and rather than your typical dusk/night feeding mosquito, it comes from a certain type of mosquito that is active during the day time.
- Yellow fever – Typically found in South America and Africa, this disease does have a vaccine. However, in areas where the vaccine is unavailable, the mosquitoes transmit the disease from person to person.
- Heartworm – Heartworm is a parasite affecting household pets.The larvae are transmitted by mosquitoes and left untreated, heartworms can clog up the heart, causing cardiovascular problems and death.
Prevention
The best way to protect your family and pets is to prevent mosquitoes from biting in the first place.
There are several ways that you can do this:
- Limit breeding areas – mosquitoes love to breed in shallow, still water. Make sure you don’t leave buckets or other containers, ponds or pools with untreated water.
- Use repellents and traps – If you are going to be out during mosquito season, make sure that everyone in your family uses a quality mosquito repellent. There are special products on the market for both children and pets. You may also look into a mosquito trap that will attract and kill mosquitoes. These can protect up to an acre.
- Be mosquito alert – avoid going out at dusk or dawn, since these are prime mosquito times. If you are going out protect yourself by wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect your skin.
- Keep Mosquitoes at bay – Did you know that adding a screen area to your backyard or porch is very affordable? All-Tex Home Improvement Services can screen in nearly any porch, balcony or patio cover.
You can also add it to an All-Tex Home Improvement Services Covered Patio at the time you install it. We have many styles and colors to choose from. You can even cover an entire pool are with a pool screen cage!
Mosquito bites are not just uncomfortable – they can be potentially dangerous. Mosquitoes spread disease and discomfort, so protection is essential. Taking steps to protect your family will help ensure a happier outdoor time for all.
