Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we enjoy all the benefits of paradise. The sun shines, the water glistens, and the sandy beaches are what dreams are made of. However, everything isn’t always so breezy. Living in a tropical climate means there is an increased level of mosquito activity to worry about. We all know mosquitoes as those sneaky, bloodsucking pests that give us itchy bites, but what else do we know? Here are some facts to keep in mind when it comes to mosquito identification.
Mosquitoes Basics
If you've ever looked closely at a mosquito you've probably noticed their long, piercing mouthpart, slender body and long, thin legs. Look closer still and you may have seen their feathery antennae and scale-covered body.
Mosquitoes use their infamous elongated mouthpart to pierce their food source and feed. These nuisance pests feed on plant juices and nectar. However, the females of the species also require the protein in a blood meal to nourish their eggs. More often than not, their food source of choice is human blood.
Mosquito Hazards
When female mosquitoes pierce our skin to feed, they leave us with itchy, red bites that are a total nuisance. These bites can grow into large welts that cause incessant scratching leading to infection. On top of being extremely annoying and causing itchy welts, mosquitoes pose a serious health threat to those they bite.
Mosquitoes are considered vector-pests, meaning they can transmit a long list of diseases to their hosts. If you are bitten by an infected mosquito, you are exposed to a variety of harmful vector-borne illnesses. For this reason, mosquitoes are actually considered one of the most dangerous animals on the planet. Here are just some of the mosquito-borne illnesses you should be aware of:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Encephalitis
- Heartworm
- Malaria
- West Nile virus
- Yellow fever
- Zika virus
Mosquito Prevention
If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential dangers of mosquito activity, the best thing you can do is to be proactive. It’s important for you to do everything you can to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes and reduce your chances of experiencing infestation on your property. To get serious about your mosquito control efforts, consider implementing the following methods of prevention.
- Direct water away from the house by maintaining gutters and downspouts.
- Get rid of any sources of standing water around the property.
- Install window and door screens to prevent entry.
- Fix any damaged or ripped screens.
- Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
- Maintain well-trimmed vegetation and keep the grass short.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves when possible.
- Apply insect repellent when spending time outside.
- Wear permethrin or DEET-treated clothing.
These tips can go a long way in minimizing your exposure to mosquito activity, there’s no doubting that. But, none of them are 100% reliable in effectively preventing mosquitoes, and therefore you can’t depend solely on them. The safest way to deal with a mosquito problem is to get professional pest control services.
Parkway Pest Solutions provides top-notch mosquito control and prevention services that protect your property from these bloodsuckers all year long. Our team of certified pest experts will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, identify all problem areas and conducive conditions. Once we gain a better understanding of the problem, we will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is specifically targeted to meet your needs. After treatment is completed, we return for follow up services throughout the year to make sure your property remains protected moving forward. No matter what type of mosquito situation you may be dealing with, contact us today for further assistance.