It's a likely story of a villain - a small creature that spends its life searching for a blood meal so that it can lay eggs and propagate its species. You may think a mosquito only leaves behind an annoying bite, but, as a whole, these insects leave behind much more than an itchy red welt. In fact, mosquitoes are associated with a scourge of devastating diseases making it one of the most deadly animals on the planet.
A Rise In Pompano Beach's Mosquito Population
Here in the greater Pompano Beach area, we enjoy a favorable climate all year long. However, as our temperatures become their warmest, our mosquito population increases. Insects follow behind the spring equinox. With warm rains comes a surge of water that provides ample opportunity for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Though natural pooling water is unavoidable, they will also take advantage of viable areas on your property to lay eggs. Larvae will hatch in birdbaths, empty planting pots, pools from leaking or sweating pipes, and even roof gutters. Though you may be able to eliminate some of these mosquito breeding grounds, it's impossible to eliminate them all.
Dangers Associated With Mosquitoes
As the population of mosquitoes increases, so does the risk of contracting unwanted diseases. Here in the United States, we're lucky. We have treatments and preventative measures to mitigate the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness. However, it doesn't mean that we're immune from the dangers associated with a mosquito bite. Some common diseases carried by mosquitoes include:
West Nile Virus: Most people infected with West Nile will have few symptoms, however, one in five infected hosts will develop fever or even neurologic illness that could result in death.
Zika Virus: The Aedes mosquito spreads Zika, and symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain.
Chikungunya Virus: This virus came to the United States in 2013 and, when infected, people experience headaches, muscle pain, swelling, and a rash.
Dengue: Like other viral infections caused by mosquito bites, dengue results in rash, headache, fever, and nausea.
Mosquitoes also carry chikungunya, yellow fever, encephalitis, and tularemia. Of the 80 species we have here in the US, twelve of them carry diseases. Therefore, it's important to do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from experiencing mosquito bites.
Avoiding Mosquito Bites In Pompano Beach
There are scientific reasons that mosquitoes favor biting some people more than others. Mosquitoes favor certain blood types as well as a higher metabolic rate. They also likely prefer pregnant women. Though many of these factors are out of your control, there are some measures you can take to decrease your risk of suffering a mosquito bite.
Mosquitoes like potassium, salt, and lactic acid produced by a body, so avoid salty and potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and dried fruit.
Fragrances such as perfume, aftershave lotion, and deodorant are known to attract mosquitoes, especially if they have floral scents.
Mosquitoes rely on sight, and a dark shape moving against a light background helps them because this provides a contrast that is easier to see. Wearing light-colored clothing can help deter mosquitoes.
Carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes so not only does a higher metabolic rate insure more carbon dioxide output to lure in the bugs, but so does exercise. If you're choosing to exercise outside in an area with a high mosquito population, wear an insect repellant that contains effective ingredients such as DEET or permethrin.
Protect Yourself From The Bite
Though attracting a mosquito may seem unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from their bite. Not only can you wear repellant, but you can also wear light-colored clothing. Secondly, mosquitoes are most active during the early hours of the morning and in the evening. Avoiding time outdoors during these times will help reduce your chances of encountering mosquitoes.
When we want to spend time outdoors, avoiding a mosquito bite is all but impossible. Fortunately, the experts at Pest-Aside can help. We will inspect your property for breeding and resting areas and come up with a customized plan to greatly reduce the mosquito population in your Pompano Beach yard. Whether you're looking for a one-time treatment or recurring mosquito control, we have an option that works for you. Reach out to us today to learn more about our mosquito control options for your home or business.