If a murderer were running rampant in your hometown, wouldn't you take precautions? The world's biggest killer is already here... now what??
While it may seem dramatic, mosquitos kill more people each year world-wide than any other creature, humans included.
Although the statistics vary by source, mosquitoes are believed to be the cause of up to a million human deaths each year. Below you'll find more information on how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from the deadliest creature on earth.
Why Is It So Important To Protect Against Mosquitoes?
If an escaped murderer was loose in your neighborhood, you'd keep your family inside with the doors locked until the culprit was apprehended and the danger had passed. While mosquitoes kill more people than any other creature in the world, you can't protect your loved ones from these killers in the same way you would from another threatening creature.
As everyone knows, mosquitoes are small, ranging from 0.1-0.4 inches long. Which means they can fit almost anywhere. And they have wings, making even the most difficult places within their reach. In Virginia, we have about 50 different mosquito species. The most common daytime bites in this area come from the Asian tiger mosquito.
While mosquito-borne illnesses may be more common in other countries, many Americans are impacted (and killed) each year by mosquito bites. In Virginia particularly, these diseases include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, La Cross encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. (You can find out more about the most common mosquito-borne disease, West Nile virus, at Virginia's Department of Health here.)
To make matters worse, mosquitoes can sense humans from more than 30 feet away and there is also no limit to the number of times a mosquito can bite you. Imaging relaxing for the afternoon in a mosquito-infested backyard - you could end up with hundreds of bites!
How Can I Protect My Family From Mosquitoes?
Here are some things you can do around your home and yard to increase your protection from mosquitoes.
Standing Water
As with many other insects, but to a much greater degree, the elimination of any standing water on the property is critical. Don't leave baby pools sitting in the yard full of stagnant water. Fill in or incorporate a drainage system to areas that tend to puddle. Change the water in your bird bath or pet dishes regularly, at least twice a week.
Gutters
Clean out your gutters. Leaves and debris accumulate and cause both drainage issues (standing water) and attract insects like mosquitoes.
Garbage Cans
Keeping a fairly tidy trash can, with a well fitting lid, is another area that can eliminate standing water and insect enticement. This is one of the most commonly overlooked attractants in someone's yard. If your trash can is often heaping, leaving room for rainwater and dew to build up inside, this is a bug heaven.
Screens
Make sure to have screens installed or repaired on all windows. If you have a door, such as one to the porch, that you regularly leave open while enjoying your yard, install a screen door to keep mosquitoes out while letting the breeze in. You can also consider using a mosquito netting for sleeping outdoors.
Long Sleeves and Repellent
If you're having an issue with mosquitoes in your yard or you are camping or in other mosquito-infested areas, wearing clothing that fully covers your body, such as long sleeve shirts and long pants, closed toe shoes with socks, etc., will help keep you safe from bites. It is also a good idea to use insect repellent. Be careful applying it to children, make sure it's a variety that is safe and never spray it directly into their faces or any irritated skin!
How Can I Eliminate Ninety Percent of My Yard's Mosquitoes
For anyone who is looking to spend time in their yard this summer, or be more sure of keeping mosquitoes from finding their way inside your home, it would be a good idea to consider hiring a professional mosquito control company. When sprayed at the maximum rates, these services will eliminate an average of 90% of the mosquito population in your yard (according to this study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information). The spray that licensed companies use is extremely effective but safe for people, pets, plants, and pollinators. The products are heavily regulated by the EPA to ensure both quality and safety. Just a note, not all companies will spray at the safely maximum rates for the best control, so try to find one that does to get the best control.
Enjoy being in your backyard this summer, without the risk of illness or just plain annoyance of a mosquito infestation. Call Virginia Pest Pro today and let us help you!
To learn more about local Virginia pests, check out our Pest Library!