Mosquitoes in McAlpin
Compared to any other animal, mosquitos pose the greatest threat to the health and existence of humans. While most people experience the annoyance of an itchy bite, they are also known to transmit numerous dangerous diseases, such as the Zika Virus, West Nile, and malaria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million people die every year as a result of a mosquito bite. A majority of these deaths are from malaria. In the United States, there are around 200 different species of mosquitoes that live in habitats ranging from deserts at or below sea level to mountain meadows at elevation higher than 10,000 feet.
Mosquito Habitat
Mosquitoes are commonly found around homes as there is often standing water available for the mosquito to breed. With needing only a half-inch of standing water, mosquitoes will breed in buckets, flower pots, kiddie pools, and any object that collects water. Away from properties, mosquitoes will lay their eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, which is why they are found around lakes and marshes. Regularly checking your property for water collecting in containers is one way to help mitigate mosquito populations near your home.
Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs. The typical side effect from a mosquito bite is an itchy welt, however, some diseases that are transmitted can be serious. Even when people are infected with a virus from a mosquito, most show no symptoms or have only mild, flu-like symptoms. For a small percentage of people, there are more severe symptoms. Dogs also can receive heartworm from mosquito transmission.
Mosquitoes can be dangerous, which is why it’s so important to contact a professional mosquito exterminator for exclusion and control services to protect your McAlpin property.