MOSQUITOES
Among insects, mosquitoes represent the biggest threat to mankind, killing and debilitating millions of people each year by transmitting pathogens to people through bites.
Culex species: Encompasses the most common species of “urban” mosquitoes to affect humans in the United States; also known as “house” or “container” mosquitoes.
Public Health Effects
*West Nile Virus: Associated with fever, headache, muscular pain, and rash. Serious complications can affect the liver or nervous system. Once a female mosquito contracts the virus from an infected bird, it will remain a vector of this disease until death.
*St. Louis Encephalitis: Causes swelling of brain and central nervous system tissue. Mosquitoes contract the disease from infected birds, rodents, deer, and in some cases, cats and dogs.
*Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis: Viral diseases spread by mosquitoes that have contracted the virus from infected birds; can result in swelling of the brain tissue.
Aedes species: Aggressive biters that flourish in warm rural and suburban environments. Populations explode after seasonal rains. Aedes aegypti are primary vectors of disease.
Public Health Effects
*Heartworm: A parasite spread by female mosquitoes when they feed on infected dogs and cats. Humans can also contract heartworm, which settles in the lungs.
*Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever: Viral diseases that spread when mosquitoes contract the virus from an infected human and spread it to other humans through bits. Most cases occur in other countries, so people who travel abroad should consider precautionary measures depending upon their destination.
Anopheles species: Primary vector of malaria worldwide; also called permanent water mosquitoes. The Anopheles quadrimaculatus infests the southern, central and eastern states, while Anopheles freeborni can be found in the western states.
Public Health Effects
*Malaria: An illness with symptoms including fever, chills, sweats, muscle pain and vomiting; spreads when infected female Anapheles mosquitoes bite individuals who carry the malaria parasite. Although malaria has largely been eradicated in the United States, the disease can resurface due to international travel.
Non-Pesticide Control Recommendations for Mosquitoes
*Stagnant water provides prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes, so reduce these sites whenever possible, such as water that collects in clogged gutters, poorly maintained swimming pools, and rain water that collects in potted plants, trash cans, bird baths, discarded tires and children’s toys.
*Ensure window screens are in good condition and fit tightly to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
