The warmer the months, the more risk of pests invading your house, especially mosquitoes. Summers therefore are ideal for mosquito breeding. The temperature in Massachusetts starts increasing in April, with July being the hottest month of the year. Mosquito activity is at its peak in these months. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the conditions that lead to mosquito breeding in and around your house to prevent them to safeguard yourself from the diseases they cause.
How to prevent mosquito breeding?
Eliminate Standing Water:
Standing water is ideal for mosquito breeding. Eliminating standing water is the most effective way to eliminate mosquito breeding. Regularly inspect your property for containers that might collect water like flower vases, birdbaths, buckets, or clogged gutters. Make sure there is no accumulated water in or around your house anywhere.
Maintain Swimming Pools:
If you have a swimming pool, make sure to regularly clean and chlorinate it. Make sure the pool is scrubbed regularly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs on the surface. You can also cover the pool when not in use to prevent mosquitoes from accessing it.
Here are some of the most common diseases spread by mosquito bites:
West Nile Virus:
While most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms, some may experience flu-like symptoms such as;
✔Fever
✔Headache
✔Body aches
✔Joint pains
✔Vomiting
✔Diarrhea
✔Rash
In severe cases, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, West Nile virus can lead to neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but severe mosquito-borne illness caused by the eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Symptoms include;
✔Fever
✔Headache
✔Irritability
✔Restlessness
✔Drowsiness
✔Anorexia
✔Vomiting
✔Diarrhea
✔Cyanosis
✔Convulsions
EEE can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and has a high mortality rate, especially in children and adults over 50 years of age.
Zika Virus
While Zika virus transmission is less common in Massachusetts compared to other regions with a tropical climate, there have been reported cases of Zika virus infection in the state. Symptoms of Zika virus infection in adults may include
✔Fever
✔Rash
✔Joint pain
✔Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
✔Muscle pain
✔Headache
Tips to prevent mosquito bites;
- Always apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent to exposed skin when going outside, especially during dusk or dawn as mosquitoes are the most active during those times. Look for repellents that contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When sleeping outdoors in areas with inadequate mosquito protection, use nets over beds to prevent mosquito bites. This is especially helpful in safeguarding babies from mosquito bites.
- Use mosquito screens in windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your house.
- Avoid using heavily scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, or candles as mosquitoes are attracted to fragrances. Use unscented products when spending time outside to keep mosquitoes at bay.
If you feel like the mosquito population in or around your house is beyond control, you can contact a professional pest control service. RidAway is one such expert in mosquito control service. RidAway uses biologically friendly pesticides that leave your home safe to return to, they are state-licensed and industry certified, and provide quick solutions to urgent problems.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
