Here in Worcester, residents enjoy the outdoors, whether sitting out on the porch or deck or fishing on the lake. And while those are enjoyable and relaxing activities, it's important you know that this area is also where disease-carrying mosquitos are very prevalent.
The good news is that mosquito-borne diseases are very preventable. There are indeed ways to protect you and your family from mosquitoes from covering exposed areas of skin to citronella candles. But when you're dealing with a mosquito infestation, the only way to protect your family and get rid of mosquitoes is with professional residential services. If mosquitoes are becoming more than a problem, contact your local pest control experts here at Encon.
What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes In Worcester?
As life-threatening as mosquitoes are, they still play an important role in our ecosystem, and completely eradicating them can prove to be disastrous. Mosquitoes pollinate our plants and are also food sources for other animals, making them important to the food chain and ecosystem as a whole.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes have been around for many, many years and are the central focus of various groups and organizations that aim to control their growth and spread of diseases. The history of mosquito control dates all the way back to the early Native American days when they used the natural oils from plants like rosemary and lemongrass to repel mosquitos away. But this war with mosquitos was no walk in the park. Let's take a brief look at how mosquito control started.
The French were set to dig a canal between the Pacific and Atlantic, but in doing that, yellow fever struck nearly 22,000 workers causing the dig to come to an end. Later, a U.S. Army doctor at Walter Reed discovered that mosquitoes transmitted the disease.
By the early 1900s, the U.S. took over the canal dig and fought yellow fever by draining swamps, pouring oil in standing water, and putting up screens. Chemists and scientists worked tirelessly over the years to figure out what kills mosquitoes, which is now the active ingredient in many repellents today. Because of their years of hard work, we can enjoy the outdoors with various repellents that keep mosquitos away.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Can Transmit
Mosquitoes are known carriers of various diseases that can negatively impact the health of humans and animals. In fact, according to The American Mosquito Control Association, more than one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. That reason alone is why it's so important to take the necessary measures to protect yourself from these blood-sucking insects. Take a look at some of the various diseases spread by mosquitoes:
- Jamestown Canyon Virus
- West Nile Virus (WNV)
- Western Equine Encephalitis
- St. Louis Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
- LaCrosse Encephalitis
- Chikungunya
- Zika Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Some of these viruses haven't been seen in many years, but the West Nile and EEE are the most prevalent in the Worcester area.
*Mosquito Fact: Mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease from one person to the next.*
Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard
Your home doesn't have to be a hub for mosquitoes to gather. With these tips, you'll be able to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.
- Citronella candles/torches
- Remove standing water
- Sprinkle coffee grounds around your yard
- Outdoor lights that repel mosquitoes
- Grow repellent plants (ie: lavender and lemongrass)
These are all effective natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard. But if mosquitoes seem to consume your yard, it's time to call the pros. As Worcester is known for disease-carrying mosquitoes, we here at Encon have treated many mosquito-infested homes and yards and know how to safely and effectively remove them. Call our office today to find the best treatment plan for your home.