Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance, they can be dangerous. Believe it or not, more people die from Malaria each year than by auto accidents and cancer combined. You’re probably not likely to contract Malaria anytime soon but other diseases like Hepatitis and West Nile are transmitted by mosquitoes all over the US. Here are the Top 10 most mosquito-ridden states in the country this time of year.
Tag Archives: mosquitoes
FAQ: Bug Sprays and Insect Repellents
There’s a lot of buzz out there about the best way to repel insects. With so many new products and solutions on the market it can be hard to know which choice makes the most sense for your family.
What works best for you will depend on a number of things: your age, your activity level, and your location. Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions regarding insect repellents to make your decision a little better informed. Continue reading
Gigantic Mosquitoes Invading Florida
Mosquitoes are bad enough. They come in droves this time of year, invading picnics and camping trips and generally just being a nuisance. Common mosquitoes feed on blood of animals (both humans and pets) and are becoming more brazen and less deterred by pesticides and citronella candles. But the insect community has yet to see mosquitoes like the ones set to invade Florida later this year.
Florida has a reputation for large, unusual fauna, bugs being one of the favorites of tourists. But larger-than-life mosquitoes, by all accounts a distinct species, are set to take flight all around The Sunshine State in a matter of weeks…and residents are worried. The so-called “Gallnippers,” massive mosquitoes measuring the size of a quarter, have a ferocious sting and are impossible to miss. They’re stronger than their common mosquito counterparts and feed all day and night – most mosquitoes only feed a couple hours a day. Known for biting anything from wild animals to fish, Galnippers are revving up to wreak havoc in Florida. Continue reading
Is Insect Repellent Losing its Effectiveness?
For decades people have relied on various forms of insect repellent to keep clear of bugs and enjoy the outdoors unbitten. From citronella candles to lotions to aerosol sprays, bug repellents come in many different forms and are designed to keep all types of species at bay. One of the more controversial insect repellents of the last 40 years is DEET, a colorless, oily concoction used to keep bugs away.
DEET has been around since the 1950s and scientists continue to question whether or not it’s safe for human use. While the EPA’s official stance on DEET is that it’s fine when used in moderation they remain concerned about traces of the chemical found in some water sources as DEET can be harmful to fish and wildlife. One thing no one questions, however, is DEET’s place as the most effective insect repellent on the market. That is, until now. Continue reading
Protecting Against West Nile Virus
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gammaman/7490426638/
We all hate mosquitoes and the itchy, red bites they leave us with. These days, the concern with mosquitoes goes far beyond the discomfort they bring, because of the increase in incidences of West Nile Virus. This disease results in a wide range of symptom severity. Some people may be bitten by an infected mosquito and never know it, while in other cases, it can be fatal. Mosquitoes contract this disease when they bite a bird carrying the virus. They can then bite a human and spread it. According to the US Geological Survey, there have already been 693 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in humans in the United States; significantly more than recent years. Typically, there is an increase of cases in late summer and early fall…right about now.
Mild forms of West Nile virus show up in symptoms similar to that of the flu; body aches, fever, nausea, sore throat, etc. However, this virus can also take the form of West Nile meningitis or West Nile encephalitis. Continue reading
Summer Rain Brings the Pests
For many regions of the country, the worries of drought are what preoccupy our minds during the summer. However, powerful storms are also common occurrences in many areas. To state the obvious, with most storms comes a heavy rain. Unfortunately, rain can intensify many pest problems in and around your home.
Fleas and mosquitoes both thrive in moist environments, because both pests need water, or at least a moist atmosphere, for successful reproduction. A good rain can drastically increase the breeding rate of fleas and mosquitoes. Continue reading
Tips for a Mosquito-Free Patio
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dailyinvention/33941672/
There are few pests that could be considered as irritating and bothersome as mosquitoes. Especially as the temperatures rise along with the humidity, these bugs will be out in full force. Most people experience small, itchy, red welts when bitten, but some individuals respond much more dramatically to a mosquito bite. Apart from the uncomfortable bites they deliver, mosquitoes can carry many diseases, which they can transmit with their bites. Pest control experts can provide you with safe and effective chemicals to repel and eliminate mosquitoes, but there are also a few tricks you can try on your own to relieve your mosquito problem. Continue reading