One animal has caused more human suffering and death than any other throughout all of human history. This animal is found virtually everywhere on Earth and when it finds a suitable habitat, its population explodes faster than we can count it. This animal is hard to see and only weighs five milligrams, but it has caused more than half of all human deaths since prehistoric times. The lowly mosquito has killed more humans than all the other animals on Earth combined and has killed more people than every war in human history combined.

Every year, mosquitoes cause the deaths of 725,000 people around the world. Humans cause about 475,000 deaths each year, while snakes and dogs cause less than 75,000. What about the fearsome shark? Less than 10 people each year. Those of us lucky enough to live in the United States might feel far removed from the scourge of deadly disease carried and transmitted by mosquitoes, but these tiny pests are active everywhere in our country and are carrying untold known and unknown microorganisms harmful or deadly to human life.

The major diseases carried by mosquitoes worldwide include malaria, West Nile viral infection, Zika viral infection, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever.

Worldwide, there are thousands of different species of mosquitoes. The insects are quick adapters to all variety of evolutionary conditions and are evolving every year to adapt to American urban and suburban environments. They are particularly fast at learning new breeding behaviors suitable to typical American residential and commercial settings, breeding in small water containing structures and developing resistance to older insecticides and treatment methods. In recent years, American mosquito species have even developed feeding behaviors that match human activity periods.

The climate in the United States is suitable for rapid expansion of mosquito species that carry and transmit the West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses throughout the country. Although Malaria and Yellow Fever are not prevalent in most of the U.S., modern medical studies have shown that the U.S. is not safe from Malaria or Yellow Fever carrying mosquitoes simply because of environmental factors. Increased global travel and rapid mosquito evolutionary development could facilitate the reemergence of these diseases as well as Japanese Encephalitis, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, and Rift Valley Fever.

In 2017, there were more than 4,000 documented cases of mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. There have been more than 30,000 cases of West Nile viral infection in the U.S. since the virus was first introduced around 2002. 

Modern professional mosquito methods provide effective control and prevention of mosquito infection. Mosquitoes are always searching for standing water where they can lay their eggs and the mosquito larvae feed on microorganisms found in the water where they hatch. When they mature, they leave the water to breed and seek mammals to feed upon. Elimination of standing water and any open containers of water is key to eliminating mosquito habitat. Your pest control professional can assist you with identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding habitat from your property to the extent possible.

In addition to habitat control, there are different pesticides that can be professionally applied to eliminate mosquito infestation. Larvicides can be applied to natural water reservoirs to kill eggs and larvae before they mature. Adulticides are sprayed or fogged to kill and repel mature mosquitoes. Adulticides are often used in conjunction with synergist pesticides to make them more effective.

Adulticides include DEET and various pyrethroids. 

Professional mosquito control can also include the installation of outdoor misting systems. These systems utilize the periodic release of specified pesticides to repel and kill mosquitoes. These systems should be designed and installed by a professional pest control company in order to comply with EPA and all state regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness. The designs and needs for residential uses differ greatly from commercial and other outdoor uses, so you should be sure to consult with a professional to be sure your system is right for your needs.

At Ease Pest Solutions, LLC provides safe and effective mosquito control to the Central North Carolina region. Our 5 star rating speaks volumes about the quality of our work, and the caring of our staff when addressing your issues. The health of you and your family may be at risk, and we take that very seriously. Contact us today for a free quote for all of your pest control needs, and we will gladly answer any questions you may have.