Mosquito Control
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Travis County, Texas mosquito diseases
Mosquito Control services are more than just removing a pest that causes itching and swelling. In some regions, it can literally be life-saving. The most common mosquito borne illness in the United States is West Nile Virus. In 2012, 5,674 human cases were reported nationwide – in Travis County Texas, there were 153 cases.
Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus will not get sick. However, it is estimated that 20% of people who become infected will develop West Nile fever with mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph glands.
1 in 150 people will develop more severe symptoms, with those over the age of 50 at higher risk. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/west-nile-virus
Keeping yourself and loved once safe is something we all want to ensure. Here are the four D’s for limiting your exposure to mosquito bites!
Dusk through Dawn
Different species of mosquitoes are active at different times throughout the day; however the species that spreads the West Nile Virus is most active from dusk to dawn.
Dress
Wearing pants and long sleeves when you are outside limits the amount of skin exposed; which will prevent some bites. Loose-fitting clothing also help; as well clothing with mosquito repellant is available.
DEET
Applying insect repellent that contains DEET helps limit mosquito bites significantly. DEET can be a harmful chemical if used improperly. Make sure to read the instructions and follow them! You should spray exposed skin and your clothing with the DEET repellent for the most impact.
Drain
Get rid of standing water! Mosquitoes thrive in areas that have standing water sources – it is critical to remove any areas where they can breed and continue to populate! Flowerpots, rain gutters, bird baths and more are all used for breeding. IF you cannot drain the water source, we recommend using “mosquito dunks” (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) – they come in pellets (bits) or little pods (donuts). All-natural and kill the mosquito larvae before they can become adults! They are often used in ponds, water containers, etc.
We highly recommend a regular mosquito control service, this simply ensure that you have a solid barrier around your home to cut down on any mosquito population; while also helping to limit their breeding options!
Mosquito Control Solutions
The peak mosquito control season is March 15th to October 15th; however, we recommend starting control services in early March. The early start helps ensure that the eggs that survived the freezing weather are less likely to spawn and any that make it through are killed by the treatment.
Mosquito Control Options, from an extreme chemical perspective to a more controlled and safe solution.
- DEET – when it comes to personal use, DEET is one of the best lotions or sprays that you can use to help repel mosquitoes. However, DEET is a very powerful chemical that can cause skin irritation. It is effective though, even if it can melt plastic!
- Picardin – this is “DEET LITE”, basically a softer version which has the same overall goal to repel mosquitoes. It last about 40% less time but can also repel other nasty insects. It is still relatively new in the US, but catching on given that it is less irritating.
- Citronella & Lemon Eucalyptus – Using the refined oils from the Corymbia citriodora tree can help as an insect repellent, just like similar oil compounds that are derived from lemongrass – better known as citronella oil. It is totally natural and effective but not as strong as DEET. It can cause some allergies and unfortunately is totally useless against some species of mosquitoes.
- Pyrethrins – This is another natural derivative from the Chrysanthemum flower; which is used in commercial insecticides. High doses cause death in mosquitoes by frying their nerves. Lower doses are effective as a repellant and the toxicity of the higher doses disintegrates in sunlight and air. This has become an effective and relatively safe insecticide.
- Mosquito Spraying Service – Having a recurring professional mosquito control company provide service is effective to help ensure a lower overall mosquito population around your home. Typically, spraying is done every 2 to 3 weeks to help ensure that the mosquito control is effective and kills mosquitoes in different life stages. Protection does fade due to weather, however – repeat treatments can help ensure the mosquito population doesn’t grow unfettered.
NOMO Mosquitoes helps people quickly find affordable mosquito control services for their area, schedule and pay online – all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to give families their yards back by providing excellent and guaranteed services!
Mosquito Borne Diseases in the U.S.
Diseases
Mosquito bites are annoying, itchy and extremely common, but the bites can be treated easily and often go away quickly. However, there are some bites that leave far more behind and in some cases bring fatal results. Below is a list of diseases mosquitoes spread and while they may not all be in your area; ALL have been detected in the U.S.
West Nile Virus
Mosquito bites cause infection in humans, West Nile Virus is among the most severe.
Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Mosquito bites among equine can cause EEE or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, we HIGHLY recommend getting the vaccine for your equine.
Onset of clinical signs of EEE are abrupt, and affected horses die within three days. Signs of EEE in horses include fever; a sleepy appearance; some muscle twitches of the head, neck, shoulder and flank; and a weak, staggering gait. Affected animals are soon down, unable to stand. There is no effective treatment.
Chikungunya
Mosquito bites can cause Chikungunya; recovery is usually quick and in extremely rare cases can cause death.
The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Most people feel better within a week. In some cases, however, the joint pain may last for months.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is among on of the worst diseases mosquitoes can transmit with their bite. Symptoms are often very severe and without treatment, 1 in 5 die.
Symptoms include a high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and a rash. In some cases, dengue turns into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding from your nose, gums, or under your skin. It can also become dengue shock syndrome, which causes massive bleeding and shock.
Dog/Cat/Mammal Heartworm
Mosquitoes bite pets too! Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. There are a number of treatments available help help avoid as well as cure – early treatment is critical.
Zika Virus
Zika Virus disease can be caused by the bite from an infected mosquito. While recovery is often common, Zika Virus has severe impacts for pregnant women, potentially causing a birth defect called microcephaly and other critical problems.
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. Symptoms typically last for 2–7 days.
