Mosquitoes are a serious threat to health and safety worldwide. These flying insects are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal on the planet.
Infected mosquitoes bite humans to drink blood but spread viruses and parasites in the process. Some diseases pass through infected saliva (used as anticoagulant), while others pass from the mosquito's gut.
Of 3,000+ mosquito species, only females bite because they need blood proteins for egg production. They target mammals, birds, and reptiles but settle on whatever provides the easiest meal.
Stay hidden during hot days and cold nights. Most active at sunrise and sunset for enough light to hunt while avoiding predators and extreme heat.
Attracted to CO2 from respiration and scents released from skin. Use long proboscis to penetrate skin.
Inject enzyme that acts as anticoagulant and anesthetic before drinking blood. This enzyme causes allergic reactions resulting in red, itchy welts.
Mosquito-borne diseases are spread mainly by three genera: Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. They carry these blood-borne diseases:
Symptoms: Fever, headache, chills, vomiting, death
Caused by parasite in mosquito gut. Tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Central/South America.
Symptoms: High fever, rash, headache, vomiting, joint pain, bleeding gums
Can lead to hemorrhagic fever. ~36,000 deaths globally per year.
Symptoms: Fever, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting (flu-like)
Severe cases cause brain infections like meningitis.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle/joint pain
Impacts pregnancy causing microcephaly (brain damage, underdeveloped skulls).
Symptoms: Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), fever, fatigue, headaches, chills, vomiting
~30,000 deaths globally per year.
Symptoms: Headache, joint/muscle pain, rash, fatigue, nausea
Found worldwide. Symptoms can last years. No cure.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain
Extreme cases: brain inflammation and meningitis.
Symptoms: Headache, fever, vomiting, confusion, seizures
Spread after biting infected pigs/birds. Severe: brain inflammation.
Symptoms: Fever, nausea, headache (or asymptomatic)
Found in US. Severe cases cause nerve system damage.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
Rare cases: brain inflammation, meningitis, death.
Symptoms: Flu-like: fever, headache
Identified in Colorado 1980s. Serious: brain/spinal cord inflammation.
Symptoms: Dizziness, overall weakness
Typically found in Africa and Middle East.
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, rash, vomiting
Found in US and Canada. Severe: brain inflammation.
Professional mosquito control reduces disease transmission risk.
Call (866) 326-28472x more likely to draw bites. Exhale ~20% more CO2 and have higher body temperatures.
Preferred proteins detected through skin secretions. Mosquitoes have excellent sensory organs.
Higher exposure to environments with mosquito activity.
Handle infected patients. Risk through proximity or accident.
Hot, humid, tropical climates have higher mosquito populations and disease prevalence.
Equatorial regions provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
CDC recommends 20%+ DEET concentration (10% for children). Available in spray and cream. Apply thoroughly to all exposed skin. Avoid wounds, eyes, nose, mouth. Reapply as needed (fades with sweat).
If you have noticed increased mosquito activity, enlist professional help. EcoGuard uses an integrated pest management approach combining habitat modification, pesticide application, exclusion, and prevention. Mosquito treatments require ongoing maintenance to disrupt the life cycle completely. Call today to schedule an inspection.
Mosquitoes in the US can spread Malaria, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya Virus, La Crosse Encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon Virus, Equine Encephalitis, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, and Snowshoe Hare Virus.
Malaria is the deadliest mosquito-borne illness. Nearly 50% of the global population is at risk, with over 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths worldwide in 2020.
The World Health Organization estimates mosquito bites are responsible for more than 1 million deaths every year. Climate change is expanding mosquito habitats and increasing infections globally.
