Mosquito Control FAQs and Mosquito Borne Illnesses
What health risks do mosquitos pose?
Mosquitoes are known vectors of several serious parasites and illnesses. Some of the most serious being West Nile Virus, Malaria, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever and Zika Virus. More information can be found below or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. It is important to have a pest control plan in place to guard against these issues.
How long will a Mosquito Barrier Treatment last?
A Mosquito Barrier Treatment is designed to last between 3 to 4 weeks.
My town/city/county sprays for mosquitoes. Why do I need your mosquito control service?
Municipal mosquito services are designed to reduce the population of mosquitoes on a large scale and not necessarily for the comfort of individuals.
Our mosquito control services are customized to your home and needs. Our goal is to allow your family to get out and enjoy your yard without worrying about being bit by mosquitoes.
Educational Information about Mosquito Borne Illnesses:
Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, they can represent a threat to health in humans and pets. Mosquitoes have been known to cause more human suffering than any other organism. More than a million people die every year from mosquito borne illnesses. Mosquitoes are carriers and transmitters of several viruses and parasites, including: malaria, Chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, and West Nile Virus.
Zika Virus
Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Many people who become infected with the Zika virus will not develop symptoms, or will only have mild symptoms. A blood or urine test can determine if Zika is present. Zika’s most harmful side effect is birth defects in pregnant women, especially Microcephaly.
More information regarding Zika virus can be found on the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html. For local information SC DHEC http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/DiseasesandConditions/InfectiousDiseases/InsectAnimalBorne/ZikaVirus/
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus was first found in Africa in the 1930’s and has since become a worldwide issue. Symptoms of West Nile Virus are fever, headache, body ache, rashes and swelling. Sever infection could also cause muscle weakness, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and coma. Symptoms can occur from 3 to 14 days after being infected.
See the Centers for Disease Control’s web page on West Nile Virus for more information – http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
Malaria
Practically eradicated in the US, there are still nearly 1,500 reported cases of malaria in the US every year. Symptoms of malaria are flu-like and include, fever, chill, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and nausea. Malaria can also cause anemia and jaundice.
See the Centers for Disease Control’s web page on Malaria for more information – http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/index.html
Chikungunya
The first case of chikungunya in the United States was found in 2013 and have increase each year since. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
See the Centers for Disease Control’s web page on Chikungunya for more information – http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
Heartworm
A serious and sometimes fatal disease, heartworms are parasites that will infect pets’ hearts, lungs and circulatory system. Heartworms can be responsible for lung disease, heart failure and other health issues in dogs and cats.
See the American Heartworm Society’s website for more information – https://www.heartwormsociety.org/
For more information on these and other mosquito borne illnesses, please see the Centers for Disease Control’s website.