Every year on August 20th, World Mosquito Day is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and the importance of controlling these pests. Mosquitoes may be small, however, their impact on human health is huge. This blog will equip you with all the important knowledge you need to battle these pesky pests and safeguard yourself from the dangers of the diseases they spread.
The Dangers of Mosquitoes in Massachusetts
It is important to recognize the symptoms of the diseases spread by mosquitoes in the state to protect yourself and your family better. Let’s look at the common types of diseases that mosquitoes spread in MA and their symptoms;
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Symptoms of WNV can vary widely, from mild to severe:
Mild Symptoms:
Fever
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue
Skin rash
Swollen lymph nodes
These mild symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite and may last a few days to several weeks.
Severe Symptoms (Neuroinvasive Disease):
High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Disorientation or confusion
Tremors or convulsions
Muscle weakness
Vision loss
Numbness
Paralysis
These severe symptoms can be life-threatening and may indicate encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), or acute flaccid paralysis. Immediate medical attention is necessary if severe symptoms occur.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, though rare, is a serious and often fatal disease spread by mosquitoes in Massachusetts. Symptoms usually develop 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Early Symptoms:
Sudden onset of high fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Severe Symptoms (Indicative of Brain Inflammation):
Disorientation
Seizures
Coma
Tremors
Muscle rigidity
EEE has a high mortality rate, and survivors may experience long-term neurological damage. Early hospitalization and intensive care are crucial.
Zika Virus
Symptoms generally appear 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite.
Common Symptoms:
Mild fever
Rash
Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet
Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Muscle pain
Headache
How To Prevent Mosquito Infestation
Prevention is better than cure. This holds extremely true when it comes to mosquito control. The most effective way to safeguard yourself from mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent the mosquito population. Let’s look at some ways to do that;
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes thrive in still water. Water in bird baths, vases, and containers needs to be emptied regularly. Make sure you have no puddles or clogged gutters surrounding your house. Mosquitoes lay thousands of larvae in still water which results in the spread of diseases.
Use mosquito screens: Install mosquito screens on your windows to restrict the entry of mosquitoes into your home. If you have a toddler at home, install nets surrounding the area they sleep in as mosquitoes are extremely active during the night.
Keep your yard well-maintained: If you have a yard, make sure to regularly mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Untidy lawns and debris make it easy for mosquitoes to hide and breed.
Mosquito Repellents: Use repellents containing DEET, picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin or clothing while sleeping or when going out.
What to do if the mosquito population in and around your house is uncontrollable?
In such cases, hire a professional pest control service like RidAway that can guarantee mosquito removal. RidAway is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry certified, and uses non-toxic pesticides.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
