Mosquitoes thrive in warm weather which means that mosquito problems can continue into the early fall in South Carolina! Mosquitoes will continue to breed and thrive until the temperatures begin to drop below fifty degrees. At that time, some of the mosquitoes will die off while others will seek places to hibernate for the winter.
Dangers Of Mosquitoes
When mosquitoes bite, they leave behind itchy, irritating red bumps that can last for a few days. Some people may have more severe reactions to mosquito bites and the bumps can swell up and resemble hives. In both cases, an oatmeal bath or applying calamine lotion to the bites can provide some relief. In severe cases, an antihistamine may help as well.
Though mosquito bites can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable, they aren’t the biggest problem that these blood-sucking pests cause. The bigger issue with mosquitoes is that they are known to carry and transmit several harmful mosquito-borne diseases. You’ve probably heard of mosquitoes infecting people with West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis, but now there’s a new mosquito-borne virus to worry about!
Keystone virus has been known to be transmitted by mosquitoes to and from animals since the 1960s. However, the first human case was just reported in June of this year! It is believed that the sixteen-year-old boy was infected in the summer of 2017 but his symptoms resembled the symptoms of Zika virus. However, after much testing, it was finally confirmed to be Keystone. It is believed that many people throughout Florida are probably infected with this virus but just don’t know it.
Preventing Mosquitoes
The best way to avoid contracting one of these mosquito-borne viruses is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. That may seem like a very difficult task, especially if you plan on spending time outdoors during the rest of the summer season, but there are some steps you can take to help limit your exposure to these disease-spreading pests.
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and survive, so eliminating as many water sources from your yard as you can is extremely beneficial in limiting the mosquito populations on your property. They are also repelled by certain scents which is why bug sprays often list citronella as one of the ingredients. Planting citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender and basil plants around your property can act as a natural mosquito deterrent.
Professional pest control is the most effective way to reduce mosquitoes on your property. At Aiken Pest Control, we offer effective mosquito control services that can help protect you and your family from contracting mosquito-borne diseases. We will treat your property monthly focusing on areas where mosquitoes rest and breed through October. We can offer one-time treatments for outdoor events such as Labor Day picnics and outdoor weddings.
Give us a call at Aiken Pest Control to learn more about how we can help reduce your risk of contracting mosquito-borne viruses throughout the late summer and fall by eliminating the mosquitoes on your property.