Public Urged to Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes

Rose Pest Solutions offers advice for homeowners on Chicagoland mosquito control and prevention around the property

Summer has only just begun, but several regions across the United States are reporting the mosquito season is already in full swing. Rose Pest Control Chicago encourages people to take preventative measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around their property, and ultimately keep mosquitoes from biting.

The threat of mosquitoes

“Not only can mosquitoes leave a painful, itchy bite, but they are also known to spread dangerous diseases like West Nile virus to humans,” said Rich Smith, Director of Pest Control Services, Rose Pest Control Lombard IL. “With last year being the deadliest year on record for West Nile virus in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s crucial for people to take precautions against another possible outbreak this summer.”

Mosquitoes transmit at least three human diseases that have been found in the United States. All of them are potentially fatal. These diseases include West Nile Virus, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999 and has since spread throughout the country with over 28,000 confirmed cases. It can lead to serious complications of the liver or nervous system, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis or paralysis. It is the most widely known mosquito-borne disease, likely due to its rapid spread throughout the nation.

Malaria

While malaria transmission was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1950’s, international travelers continue to bring new cases to the county each year. In 2007 alone, more than 1,500 cases of malaria were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most of which were confirmed to have been acquired outside of the U.S. The CDC also reports that there is a constant risk that malaria transmission could be re-introduced to the U.S., since mosquito species that carry the malaria parasite still exist in the country.

Dengue Fever

Most cases of Dengue Fever in the U.S. are acquired outside the country. However, there have been some locally confirmed cases in the U.S., most commonly along the Texas-Mexico border and more recently in Key West, Florida.

How to control mosquitoes

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers the following tips on how to control mosquitoes:

• Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes need only about ½ inch of water to breed.

• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
• Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, wear long pants, sleeves and socks. Also, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
• Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.

Home mosquito control

“If homeowners are concerned about mosquito activity in their area, they should consider contacting a pest management company or the local mosquito abatement district for assistance,” added Smith.

Rose Pest Solutions has two options to help you stay proactive in controlling these dangerous pests before it’s too late:

• One-time applications for weddings, graduation parties, or other outdoor events to allow for a more comfortable time spent outside
• Routine home mosquito yard treatments to provide continuous protection throughout the season

The length of effectiveness is dependent upon several variables including temperature, humidity, surfaces treated, materials or control methods employed. The time lapse between treatments depends upon these factors and specifically the materials used. We recommend discussing your individual needs with a professional in order to decide what level of protection is necessary for your situation. Click here for a free quote.