Mosquitoes have been a pest in the United States for over 100 million years now. This long-surviving insect is in season from summer to fall and is most active during dusk and dawn. A mosquito has five different stages in life: egg, larva, pupa, adult emerges, and adult mosquito. Mosquito eggs are usually found in soil that is flooded with water. It takes about 2 days for an egg to hatch and they typically reach adulthood in about 12 days. Mosquitoes feed off of blood and can find their hosts by sensing carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other chemicals. Mosquitoes can also detect radiation from warm hosts and have eyesight that detects movement. Dark clothing, movement, and strong smells attract mosquitoes the most.
The Problems With Mosquitoes
When it comes to diseases spread by mosquitoes you may think Malaria, and you would be right. Malaria is a dangerous disease that causes up to 500 million deaths a year in the world, mostly in Africa. It may make you feel a little safer to be in North Carolina where Malaria isn’t active but there are plenty of other diseases caused by mosquitoes that you should be aware of. Here are three of the most dangerous mosquito-borne illness threatening Charlotte, NC.
Zika Virus
The Zika Virus is most harmful to women who plan to be or are pregnant. The Zika virus can cause birth and brain defects in infants. Two of the associated illnesses from Zika are Microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. According to the CDC Zika is transmitted from the bites of the Aedes mosquito. The best way to prevent this infection is to control mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus
In the United States, you are more likely to get West Nile Virus during summer when it is mosquito season. Signs and symptoms of West Nile include fever, rash, body aches, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms are inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. There is no known cure or treatment for West Nile Virus other than hospitalization and pain relievers. Prevention is key and making sure you control the mosquito population on your property is essential.
Heart Worms
Even though mosquitoes are tiny little insects, they can do major damage to your pets. One little bite from a mosquito infected with heartworm larvae can contaminate your pet, entering its bloodstream, lungs, heart, and surrounding blood vessels. Once lodged snugly in these internal organs the larvae thrive and grow into hundreds of worms up to 12” long. Treating an animal with heartworms is a long, expensive process that can reach up to and over $1,000. The most important method to control mosquito populations is by contacting a professional.