As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, many homeowners begin to enjoy spending more time in their yards. However, as enjoyable as it is to spend time outdoors, it can also be a time for increased mosquito activity.
Mosquitoes are not only annoying pests, but they can also pose a significant risk to human health. In this blog post, we will discuss the risks that mosquitoes can cause to your health, methods to combat them, including treatments by a pest control company, mosquito misting systems, and various things you can do to avoid mosquitoes in your yard.
The Risks of Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are known to carry and transmit a variety of diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. The risks associated with these diseases can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death. For example, West Nile virus can cause fever, headache, body aches, and joint pain. In severe cases, it can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Similarly, Zika virus can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, and in pregnant women, it can lead to birth defects in their babies.
Combatting Mosquitoes
There are several methods to combat mosquitoes in your yard, including treatments by a pest control company, mosquito misting systems, and various things you can do to avoid mosquitoes.
Pest Control Company Treatments
Pest control companies offer a variety of treatments to reduce mosquito populations in your yard. These treatments include spraying insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes and using larvicides to kill mosquito larvae in standing water. Professional pest control companies have access to stronger insecticides and equipment that can be more effective than over-the-counter products.
Mosquito Misting Systems
Mosquito misting systems are an effective way to control mosquito populations in your yard. These systems work by spraying a fine mist of insecticide around your yard at regular intervals. The mist is formulated to kill mosquitoes but is safe for people and pets. Mosquito misting systems can be installed by a professional pest control company and can be set to spray at times when mosquitoes are most active, such as early morning and evening.
Things You Can Do to Avoid Mosquitoes
In addition to professional treatments, there are several things you can do to avoid mosquitoes in your yard. These include:
- Eliminating standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating any sources of standing water in your yard, such as buckets, bird baths, and plant saucers, can reduce mosquito populations.
- Using mosquito repellent: Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET or other effective ingredients can help repel mosquitoes when you’re spending time outdoors.
- Wearing protective clothing: Wearing long sleeves and pants can help prevent mosquito bites.
- Installing screens: Installing screens on windows and doors can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes can pose a significant risk to human health, but there are several methods to combat them, including treatments by a pest control company, mosquito misting systems, and various things you can do to avoid mosquitoes. If you’re concerned about mosquitoes in your yard, contact a professional pest control company to discuss your options for mosquito control. With the right approach, you can enjoy spending time outdoors this summer without the annoyance and risk of mosquitoes
