Summer weather is finally here, and with it brings an influx of pests, especially mosquitoes. Scientists are reporting an early and relatively bad mosquito season this year. Who wants to go sit outside and enjoy the warm weather with a swarm of buzzing mosquitoes around? The bites of these annoying pests not only cause itching, redness and swelling but they are also dangerous to your health!
Mosquitoes are especially threatening because they have the ability to carry disease-causing parasites and viruses from person to person. They transport several potentially fatal illnesses which they can spread around the world . These diseases are not just present in other countries, they have also spread to the US. Some mosquito-borne diseases include: yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and many others. Various species of mosquito spread disease effects 700 million people worldwide and cause about 2 million deaths annually.
In 2000, the West Nile virus made its way to Pennsylvania. West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Researchers found that the virus was present in birds, mosquitos and horses. Humans and other mammals can become infected with the virus, and about 2,000 people have died from the virus since the outbreak was detected. These viruses can be found right in your backyard.
So how can you protect yourself in the summer months? Water, water, water… Did you know that a small bottle cap with water in it can attract 100 mosquitoes? Don’t have standing water on your property that has any decaying matter, such as a leaf or grass in the water. You should also clean out your gutters, birdbaths, children’s toys, and plastic covers that have water in the folds, as well as the exterior drains that hold water. An outside fan can work great in keeping mosquitoes away from where you are sitting.
At Main Line Exterminating, we are here to help. Our solutions are proven to succeed to keep you and your family safe. Give us a call today to let us know how we can fix your pest problems!