Worlds Deadliest Insect & How to Avoid Infestations Around Your Ocklawaha, FL Home
If we asked you what the deadliest animal family in the world was, what would you say? Most would guess lions, tigers, hippos, maybe even sharks, but you may be surprised to find that deadliest animal in the whole world is smaller than your little finger. According to the World Health Organization, mosquito borne illnesses take the lives of more than 1,000,000 people every year, with hundreds of millions more being reported ill. The majority of those deaths are caused by a mosquito transmitted disease known as Malaria. To put that number into perspective, only 30-100 deaths a year are caused by shark attacks around the world, and approximately 250 deaths are due to lion attacks around the globe. Mosquitoes are found everywhere in the world except for Antarctica and a few other subarctic islands. They prefer humid, warm climates and come out in full force in the summer time. Scientists have found proof of their existence dating back to the Cretaceous period almost 100 million years ago. More than 3,500 different species of mosquito are known to exist in the world today.
Mosquito Borne Diseases
When mosquitoes bite, they extract blood from their host, the blood loss that comes from this process is seldom ever an issue, the saliva from a mosquito bite can bring on an uncomfortable rash that is irritating to say the least. Of even more importance is steering clear of the species of mosquito that are known to transmit deadly diseases. Some of these diseases are Chikungunya, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Filariasis, Tularemia, and various strains of Encephalitis. Malaria is the number one cause of premature death in children under the age of five today. Most of these diseases are unique to other countries, but some of the most severe mosquito borne diseases we see here in the United States are Western Equine Encephalitis and Easter Equine Encephalitis. These diseases can be transmitted by mosquito to humans, horses and some bird species. Symptoms of these diseases mimic flu-like symptoms but can lead to more serious ailments such as encephalitis, coma, even death. Another of the serious mosquito-borne diseases found in the U.S. Is that of the West Nile Virus, West Nile was first discovered here in 1999, and by 2006 it had spread so rapidly that over 3,000 cases had been reported.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Home & Property
#1: Wear mosquito insect repellent– There are many specially-formulated mosquito repellents on the market, using a repellent that contains 30-50% DEET is recommended for children over two months and adults. This concentration will offer hours of protection and should be applied directly to skin before you plan to be outside.
#2 Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing– An effective way of avoiding being bitten by a mosquito is to limit the places they have to bite. Wearing loose fitting clothes will keep you cool in warmer weather, but long sleeves and pants will offer more protection that shorts and tank tops.
#3: Utilize floor fans. When BBQing or having a party outside, use floor fans to cover areas where people will frequent. Mosquitoes lack the ability to fly in windy conditions and will likely avoid areas where there is too much wind.
#4: Remove any standing water from your yard. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, leaving kiddie pools, planter pots or even kids toys out in places where they will retain water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Mosquito Control
Pest 911 can perform a thorough inspection of your home and property to check for the presence of mosquitoes, or any places they could potentially breed while securing the premises. Give us a call today for all your pest control needs!
