When the weather gets nice enough to spend time outside, you’re reminded via several irritating bites that you share the outdoors with mosquitoes. Luckily, there are numerous ways to combat these backyard pests. Ashton Walden Turf Services’ mosquito control programs eliminate these incessant insects from your personal outdoor retreat so you can enjoy a bite-free yard.
Do Mosquitoes Carry Diseases?
Mosquito prevention not only reduces your bite tally after an outdoor barbeque; it lowers your risk of contracting one of the many viruses mosquitoes are known to carry:
West Nile Virus
WNV can affect both humans and animals, putting your pets at risk too. Although contracting the virus rarely results in serious symptoms, severe cases can lead to paralysis and even a coma. People with weakened immune systems and those over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing severe symptoms, while others experience mild sickness.
Mild WNV Symptoms:
- Head and body aches.
- Fever.
- Rash on chest, stomach, or back.
Severe WNV Symptoms:
- Headache.
- High fever.
- Tremors.
- Confusion.
- Weakness.
- Paralysis.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
While EEE is very rare in humans, it can seriously harm horses, mules, and other equine animals. There’s no specific treatment for EEE, so mosquito prevention is crucial—especially if livestock lives on your property. If a human contracts the disease, it’s recommended to treat the symptoms as they appear.
Mild Symptoms of EEE:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Joint and muscle pain.
Severe Symptoms of EEE:
- Headache.
- Vomiting/diarrhea.
- Disorientation.
- Convulsions.
Zika
Unlike some other mosquito-borne diseases, Zika can be spread through sexual contact and even from a pregnant mom to her unborn child. Those who don’t show symptoms can still pass the virus. So, if you suspect you may be infected, have your doctor administer a blood or urine test to find out.
Mild Symptoms of Zika:
- Red sclera (the whites of your eyes).
- Joint pain.
- Fever.
- Itchy rash.
Malaria
Malaria is the most fatal of mosquito-borne diseases. Fortunately, it doesn’t affect pets or livestock. Malaria is most common in central Africa and the Middle East, and the majority of U.S. cases occur in travelers and immigrants coming from those areas. While symptoms can be severe and even fatal, treatments involving anti-malarial medicine are available.
Symptoms of Malaria:
- High fever.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Muscle aches.
- Chills and shaking.
Dengue Fever
Because dengue fever is a disease caused by 1 of 4 dengue viruses, a person can catch it more than once. Those who have contracted dengue fever a second time report worse symptoms, so your best defense is to take proactive mosquito control measures to protect yourself and your family.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever:
- Severe headache or pain behind the eyes.
- Joint, muscle, or bone pain.
- Rash.
- Stomach pain.
- Bleeding nose or gums.
*Severe cases of dengue fever are a medical emergency. If you are experiencing these symptoms, go to your local emergency room ASAP.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in My Yard
Whether you’re looking to repel a few mosquitoes or eliminate a full-on swarm, there are several mosquito control methods that empower you to win back your yard. Regular lawn care and removing stagnant water pools from the area are the baseline for mosquito prevention:
- Treat tree-lined perimeters with mosquito spray.
- Clean out/refill standing water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least once per week.
- Manage high grasses and heavy weeds in your yard.
You can adorn your yard with features that add some style to your outdoor space while simultaneously repelling mosquitoes. We’re not talking about placing a citronella candle somewhere on your patio.
Better solutions include:
- Planting lemongrass, lavender, catnip, and other plants in your garden.
- Adding tiki torches to your backyard décor.
- Using cedar mulch in your beds.
These methods hold off mosquitoes for the time being, but if you are dealing with a swarm that just won’t quit, you need serious mosquito control that won’t quit either.
Mosquito Spray for Yards
Mosquito sprays are made up of pyrethroids, a synthetic chemical that mimics the toxic effects of a pyrethrum plant. Homeowners can DIY their own mosquito spray; however, mosquitoes can adapt to some of these at-home pesticides over time, requiring you to keep up on the latest mosquito extermination techniques.
Don’t waste your time with that! You have a summer to enjoy!
Ashton Walden’s mosquito exterminators are well-rehearsed in the best ways to handle mosquitoes. We apply a blanket spray over your property with a special focus on areas we know mosquitoes are thriving. Our mosquito spray is designed to kill these insects at every stage of their life, ensuring the population doesn’t replenish after we leave.
Get Mosquito Control
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