How To Control & Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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Understand Mosquito-Borne Diseases

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Mosquitoes are more dangerous than ever. By transferring diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, and malaria, these pests have cemented their place as harmful to humans. As we learn more about what they carry and how diseases spread, controlling and preventing mosquito-borne diseases is more important than ever.

Common Types of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Malaria: One of the most well-known and deadly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. It’s caused by a parasite that infects and destroys red blood cells, leading to severe illness and death if untreated.
Dengue: A viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms, severe joint and muscle pain, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications like hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome.
Zika Virus: While Zika often causes mild symptoms, it is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects like microcephaly.
West Nile Virus: Most people infected with this virus won’t show symptoms, but it can lead to severe neurological issues like encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Yellow Fever: This viral disease is characterized by fever, jaundice, and bleeding. It is preventable by vaccination.
Chikungunya: This virus causes fever and severe joint pain, often leading to chronic arthritis.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): A rare but serious viral infection that can lead to brain inflammation. Though uncommon, EEE has a high fatality rate in those who develop severe symptoms. Infected individuals may experience fever, headache, vomiting, and, in severe cases, seizures, coma, or death. EEE is most commonly found in North America, and there is no specific treatment, making prevention through mosquito control critical.

Impact of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Statistics & Facts on Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal. According to the CDC, over half a million people die each year from malaria alone. Dengue cases have increased 30-fold in the last 50 years, affecting millions annually. West Nile virus has been reported in all continents except Antarctica, making it a global public health concern.

Regions Most Affected by Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes love water and heat, which is especially troublesome in southern states. However, any area with a high water concentration, marshlands or swamps, humidity, and many people will have a problem with mosquitoes. Major storms can also cause a surge in mosquito populations because any standing water can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

While the US has a smaller mosquito problem than other countries, if we don’t take mosquito-borne diseases seriously, we will soon have a massive problem. Southern states like Georgia, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana are particularly affected by growing mosquito populations and increasing incidences of mosquito-borne diseases.

How Mosquitoes Spread Diseases

The Mosquito Life Cycle & Disease Transmission

Understanding the mosquito life cycle is key to preventing disease spread. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water. These eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into pupae before becoming adult mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes are the primary carriers of diseases as they feed on blood to nourish their eggs. When they bite an infected person or animal, they can pick up pathogens and pass them to the next person they bite.

How Different Mosquito Species Spread Different Diseases

Not all mosquitoes in Georgia are the same regarding the diseases they spread. Different species have unique behaviors, habitats, and preferences, making them responsible for transmitting specific illnesses. Understanding these differences is key to effective mosquito control and disease prevention.

Since each species has traits that influence how and where it spreads diseases, it’s important to use targeted mosquito control tailored to the specific species in an area. This helps reduce the risk of disease transmission more effectively.

Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Personal Protection Measures

One of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites is by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus. These repellents effectively deter mosquitoes and significantly reduce your risk of being bitten.

Wearing long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing can also help reduce exposure. For additional protection, you can treat your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that kills mosquitoes on contact.

Effective Use of Mosquito Nets & Barriers

Mosquito nets are a simple yet highly effective way to prevent bites, especially in areas where malaria is common. Bed nets treated with insecticides provide added protection by killing or repelling mosquitoes. In your home, use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out and repair any holes in netting.

Reducing Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Eliminating places where mosquitoes can lay eggs is crucial for reducing their populations. Regularly empty and clean items that can collect standing water, like flowerpots, birdbaths, tires, and clogged gutters. Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinate them regularly. Even small amounts of water can become breeding grounds, so be vigilant.

Controlling Mosquito Populations

Environmental Control Methods

Environmental control methods focus on reducing mosquito habitats and limiting their ability to reproduce. Some of these methods include:

Source reduction: Removing or treating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Biological control: Introducing natural predators like fish that eat mosquito larvae.
Habitat modification: Altering the landscape to reduce water accumulation, such as improving drainage systems.

These methods are sustainable and minimize the need for chemical interventions.

Chemical Control: Insecticides & Larvicides

Chemical control methods involve using insecticides and larvicides to kill mosquitoes at different life cycle stages. Larvicides are applied to water sources to target larvae before they become adult mosquitoes, while insecticides like permethrin are used to kill adult mosquitoes.

Always follow EPA guidelines when using chemicals to ensure they are applied safely and effectively. These products should also be part of an integrated mosquito management program, combining chemical, environmental, and biological control methods.

How to Protect Your Home & Community

Mosquito-Proofing Your Home

Eliminating mosquitoes around human dwellings and businesses is the easiest way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases. While mosquito spraying treatments have become increasingly common, we encourage people to take preventative steps to reduce mosquito populations.

Take precautions on your property:
- Eliminate standing water in tarps, old tires, pools, and bird baths.
- Remember, water is like a magnet for mosquitoes.
- Make sure all screens are intact.
- If you work outside frequently, wear long sleeves and pants at night.

Mosquito Control Services

For comprehensive protection, consider professional mosquito control services. Our pest control experts can assess your property and implement targeted solutions to reduce mosquito populations. Services include the application of insecticides and larvicides, installation of mosquito traps, and recommendations for reducing breeding grounds.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Comprehensive Mosquito Pest Control Consultation

Mosquitoes can spread disease and infection. If you’ve taken precautions in and around your property to eliminate mosquito populations, but you’re still battling these disease-ridden biters, give Active Pest Control a call today! We can help prevent and eliminate mosquitoes through targeted and practical solutions.

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