Mosquitoes are more than a blood-sucking nuisance. They are also a health threat to Louisianians! While Louisiana residents continue to spend more time at home, these disease-riddled creatures are languishing and breeding in moist, grassy areas, such as backyards. If you’re like most families, you are already planning the best way to defend your home against these buzzing biters. Well, you have your work cut out for you. There are over 60 species of mosquitoes in Louisiana, the most common of which in Orleans Parish are Culex Quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito), Aedes Albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) and Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito). DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control has all the information you need to prepare and execute your plan of attack against Louisiana’s most frustrating pest.
Mosquitoes: The Deadliest Animal in the World
Despite their small size, mosquitoes are responsible for over one million deaths every year, making them the deadliest animal in the world. Mosquitoes are carriers of infamous diseases, such as West Nile Virus, Malaria and Zika Virus, Dengue, Encephalitis. These names may sound exotic, but several of them have inflicted Louisiana residents.
West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus has been active in Louisiana since 2002. Since then, the state has seen 328 cases and 24 deaths. Symptoms can include swollen lymph glands, headaches, body aches, and a fever. Typically, those who contract West Nile Virus are asymptomatic, or experience very mild symptoms. However, around 10% of cases can develop West Nile Fever, an infection caused by West Nile Virus, which can lead to a more serious illness.
Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite and is transmitted by mosquitoes that have recently sucked the blood of another human. Its symptoms include fever and flu-like illness. Those afflicted can also experience nausea, vomiting, anemia, and jaundice. It can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. In 2017, there were nine reported cases of malaria in Louisiana. However, it has been determined that the majority of these cases were imported from overseas travel.
Encephalitis
Simply put, Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that causes mild, flu-like symptoms. Mosquito-borne encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Other symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, vomiting, and muscle aches. It can take anywhere from 5 to 15 days to show symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
The most effective way to stave off mosquitoes is to have a professional treat your yard. While you wait, there are steps you can take to prevent mosquitoes from nipping at your arms and ankles.
1. Wear Long Pants and Sleeves: This can be difficult during Louisiana summers and we certainly wouldn’t encourage anyone to roast themselves for the sake of avoiding a few mosquito bites. However, when the nights get cooler, covering your skin is the fastest way to form a barrier against hungry mosquitos.
2. Use Mosquito Repellant: Mosquito repellant offers additional protection against a mosquito attack. Just remember, not all repellants are created equal. Read the fine print to make sure your repellant uses effective ingredients. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends EPA-registered repellants that contain ingredients such as DEET, IR3535, and Picaridin.
3. Remove Standing Water Sources: Standing water, such as water that collects in rain barrels, birdbaths, and tarps, is an attractive breeding ground for mosquitos. While breeding cycles vary, depending on the variety of mosquito, most of these pests prefer to lay their eggs near stagnant water, and female mosquitoes can lay anywhere from 100 to 300 eggs at a time. These larvae can even hatch within 48 hours.
4. Maintain Air Flow: You have probably noticed that mosquitos bite less when it’s windy. That’s because they are not very strong flyers and cannot withstand the breeze. A fan on your porch or in your yard can help you drastically decrease your amount of mosquito bites. You can also increase the airflow in your yard by trimming vegetation and removing debris, such as leaf litter.
5. Porch Screens and Windows: If you want to enjoy the fresh air, without any of the subsequent invading insects, you can always install screen windows and doors on your porch and home. You can also use screens to protect the standing water in your rain barrels against breeding mosquitoes.
Mosquito Fact! Did you know that only female mosquitos suck blood? They need the extra protein to nourish their eggs. Male mosquitos prefer the sweet nectar of flowers.
Visit our Mosquito Page for our comprehensive Mosquito Prevention Checklist!
Mosquito Prevention DEET-ails
For Louisiana residents who haven’t treated their yard, mosquitoes can seem like a way of life. At DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control, we believe no family should resign themselves to the unpleasant fate of being mosquito food. Our mosquito control services include:
· A free no-obligation inspection
· Residential and Commercial Service
· Larvicides target larvae in their breeding habitat
· Spraying for adult mosquito control
· 100% satisfaction guarantee
Our highly trained technicians will inspect your yard or business for common breeding grounds like ditches and other standing water as well as brush piles, raised decks, and other shady areas. We will also make a recommendation for a treatment program and provide you with a free estimate. Call DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control today!
