Mosquitoes can put a damper on the moments you spend with your family outdoors. Aside from their distracting buzzing sound, they carry harmful diseases that can affect humans and even pets. Unfortunately, these annoying pests remain the deadliest animal globally, and they can already be on your property. Mosquito bites are itchy and can cause serious illnesses, so it is crucial to keep them away from your outdoor space.

Mosquitoes are most active during warm months. The best way to prevent health issues from mosquitoes is to keep them away from your property by investing in mosquito control services. Keep reading to find out more about how mosquitoes transmit different diseases.

How do mosquitoes transmit diseases?

Mosquitoes are insects found all over the world. Only female mosquitoes bite as they need blood to develop their eggs, while male mosquitoes feed only on plant juices to survive. However, not all mosquitoes carry diseases. They are most active during warm summer months, with female mosquitoes laying their eggs in the fall.

Mosquitoes transmit diseases by biting humans and pets. They will bite any available skin they can land on and become vectors of infection when they bite an infected human or animal. The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to remove any stagnant water on your property, as these are suitable areas for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.

Who can get infected from mosquito bites?

Little kid in Chesterfield, Michigan with mosquito bites on their arm.

Mosquitoes bite humans and pets. Little children can get so irritated from the itchy bites of mosquitoes that they will constantly scratch them. However, scratching a bite too much can lead to bacterial infections. We recommend dressing up your little ones with clothes that will cover their arms and legs, as well as using kid-safe insect repellent. Mosquitoes can also bite pets and transmit parasites like heartworms. You may not have evidence of a mosquito bite like you do when you spot a tick, but dogs can suffer from the same mosquito-borne diseases as humans.

Commons Diseases That Mosquitoes Carry

Mosquitoes are found worldwide, so the diseases they transmit are easily spread over a large area. Educating yourself about these diseases, especially their symptoms, will allow you to get medical help early and prevent them from becoming more severe. Common diseases that mosquitoes carry include:

  • Zika Virus: This virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is active during the day. Mild symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, headache, rash, and joint pain. The Zika virus can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child, causing birth defects.
  • West Nile Virus: Most reports of the West Nile Virus happen during mosquito season in the warm summer months. Mosquitoes get the virus from infected birds before they transmit it to humans and pets. Most people do not experience any symptoms, but we recommend that you watch out for rashes, joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Rare and severe cases can lead to brain infections or meningitis. Unfortunately, no vaccine exists yet to prevent and treat the virus.
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis: EEE was first detected among horses in 1831 and is transmitted by mosquitoes that pick it up from infected birds. It can cause brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, or it can cause a much tamer illness with symptoms like fever, chills, discomfort, muscle pain, and joint pain.

There were 38 reported cases of EEE in 2019, 25% of which came from Michigan.

Keep your family and pets safe from mosquito bites with our mosquito control services!

Mosquitoes are pesky pests that carry harmful diseases. They will bite anyone they want, so make sure they have no place on your property where they can affect your family and pets. At Big Lakes Lawncare, we will survey your property before applying a full-coverage treatment to deter mosquitoes and keep you safe. Our mosquito control services are available to homes and businesses in Macomb, Shelby, Chesterfield, and nearby areas in Michigan. Call us today at (586) 200-0855 to get a quote!