Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). At Bigham Pest Services, we understand the health risks mosquitoes pose and we’re committed to helping our community prevent mosquito-borne diseases. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common illnesses spread by mosquitoes, signs and symptoms to watch out for, and most importantly—how to protect yourself and your family.
Why Mosquitoes Are a Health Risk
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. When certain mosquitoes bite humans and animals, they can transfer viruses and parasites through their saliva into the bloodstream. According to the CDC, mosquito-borne diseases can cause long-term illness, hospitalization, and even death in severe cases.
Most Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases
There are a handful of viruses and parasites that cause the most mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States:
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. While 80% of people infected show no symptoms, West Nile can cause fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. In rare cases, it leads to neurological disease or death.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
EEE is rare but has a 33% fatality rate in those who become ill, according to the CDC. EEE causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) resulting in sudden fever, chills, and severe headaches. It requires hospitalization and can cause permanent brain damage for those who survive.
Malaria
Malaria is extremely rare in the U.S., with only about 2,000 cases per year. It causes high fevers, chills, flu-like illness, and anemia. Without treatment, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting blood supply to vital organs.
Dengue
Also rare in the continental U.S. but common in tropical regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia. Dengue results in severe flu-like symptoms, which can develop into the potentially lethal Severe Dengue.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever causes symptoms like fever, nausea, and muscle pain which subsides after 3-4 days. About 15% of cases enter a toxic phase leading to organ failure and bleeding. Up to 50% of severe cases result in death.
Zika
Zika infections during pregnancy have been linked to congenital birth defects like microcephaly. Symptoms are mild compared to other mosquito-borne illnesses but the risk it poses to fetal development make it a public health concern.
As you can see, mosquitoes transmit some very serious diseases, even if they aren’t highly common in Covington and the surrounding areas. But why take a gamble with your health?
Signs and Symptoms of Mosquito-Borne Illness
Mosquito-transmitted viral infections tend to cause flu-like symptoms in their early stages, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches and pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
While these could indicate many different illnesses, prompt medical care is suggested if these symptoms present after spending time outdoors. Doctors can run tests to check for various mosquito-borne diseases.
Neuroinvasive diseases like West Nile, EEE, malaria, and dengue may also cause additional warning signs like:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Tremors or other neurological issues
Emergency care is recommended if you or a family member develop any of the above symptoms alongside neurological problems. Timely treatment can mitigate the severity of mosquito-borne neuroinvasive disease.
Pregnant women who suspect Zika exposure, either through travel or local transmission, should be tested immediately. There is no treatment for Zika, but early detection allows doctors to best monitor fetal development.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Mosquitoes
While mosquito-borne threats are still minimal in our area, prevention is the best cure. Here are practical tips to safeguard against mosquitoes on your property:
Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources. Eliminate places like:
- Buckets, old tires, and containers that collect rain
- Clogged rain gutters and flexible downspouts
- Fountains, bird baths, pet dishes, etc. Change water at least twice a week
- Drainage ditches, irrigation canals, watering troughs near stables/paddocks
- Swimming pool covers trapping rainwater
Make sure water sources have proper drainage and circulation. Stock water troughs or pools for pets with mosquito dunks containing larvicide. This prevents larvae from developing into biting adults while remaining safe for animals to drink.
Keep Grass Cut Short Around Home
Don’t give adult mosquitoes places to rest in tall grass or dense shrubbery, especially near doorways and common outdoor areas. Keep the lawn trimmed. Prune overgrown plants that could harbor mosquitoes.
Install Protective Barriers
Mosquito netting over play areas, strollers, and beds creates a physical barrier against bites. Make sure window and door screens are in good repair, without any gaps or holes for mosquitoes to sneak through. Consider Screened Gazebos and screened porches as protected outdoor living spaces.
Apply Insect Repellent When Going Outside
EPA approved repellents containing ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus can be safely applied to skin and clothing. Follow label directions carefully. Reapply if outside for prolonged periods. Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
Fan the Yard Regularly
Mosquitoes struggle to fly against wind currents exceeding 1 MPH. Set up outdoor fans, wind chimes, wind socks and other devices to create more air turbulence across your property. This disrupts the insects’ ability to detect targets for biting.
Consider Professional Mosquito Treatments
For optimal prevention, we recommend scheduling professional mosquito control every 3-4 weeks throughout peak season. Our mosquito treatments reduce mosquito populations across your entire property through residual barrier sprays and targeted larviciding. This multi-pronged approach delivers up to 21 days of effective control between applications. Added security to protect what matters most—your family’s health and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Have More Questions? Call Your Local Mosquito Experts!
As your trusted pest control provider since 2007, Bigham Pest Services wants to squash every mosquito and every health risk they pose. Our year-round protection plans and customized mosquito treatments add an impenetrable layer of defense against these dangerous insects. We invite you to explore our residential and commercial services tailored to target mosquitoes at every stage, from breeding to actively biting.
To learn more or sign up, give our Covington team a call at 770-872-6742. We’re happy to answer your questions, provide a free inspection, and expertly knock out those pesky mosquitoes! Give us a ring today and take back your yard.
FAQs About Mosquitoes and Diseases
What diseases do mosquitoes carry?
Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of viruses and parasites responsible for diseases like West Nile, Zika, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and dog heartworm.
When are mosquitoes most active?
Mosquitoes are generally most active during peak biting hours around dawn and dusk but may bite throughout the day. Some species bite at night. Mosquito season reaches its peak from mid-summer into early fall in Covington.
How far can mosquitoes travel from their breeding site?
Most mosquitoes do not travel very far, sticking within a few hundred yards of their preferred water sources. Certain species can migrate up to 40 miles under the right wind conditions.
How long does a mosquito live?
Most adult mosquitoes enjoy life spans of 2-4 weeks. Males typically survive only 5-7 days. Females capable of transmitting pathogens tend to live longer, sometimes several months over winter if conditions allow.
What symptoms require emergency care for mosquito-borne illness?
Seek ER treatment immediately for symptoms like high fever, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe headaches, inability to walk/stand, vision changes, bleeding, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain and any other concerning or debilitating neurological and physical symptoms appearing suddenly after mosquito bites. These could indicate severe cases of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including West Nile, EEE, Dengue and Malaria, which require rapid medical intervention.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes?
At Bigham Pest Services, we’re the mosquito mavens serving Covington, GA and the surrounding communities. Our pro-grade treatments and barrier sprays knock down mosquito infestations for up to 3 weeks at a time. Paired with our larviciding and year-round prevention plans, we deliver complete mosquito control guaranteed to rid your property of these annoying and hazardous pests.
Give us a call today at 770-872-6742 or contact us here to discuss your mosquito problems and we’ll custom-fit a solution backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Here’s to many mosquito-free memories with family and friends enjoying the great Georgia outdoors!