June 19th-25th is Mosquito Control Awareness Week, and mosquitoes are certainly a good pest to be very aware of - They bite, leave itchy marks, keep you from enjoying the outdoors, and worst of all, they can spread diseases. Mosquitoes in Massachusetts are notorious for spreading West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), but there’s even more to these miniature menaces than that.
Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest “animal” in the world because of the diseases they spread to humans. In addition to WNV and EEE, mosquito bites are responsible for Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, chikungunya, and many other illnesses. Because mosquitoes are found all over the world, it is important to take precautions while traveling as well as spending time outdoors at home. There is no cure, treatment, or vaccine for mosquito-borne diseases; bite prevention is key.
Reduce your risk by following these guidelines:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Avoid being outdoors during times of increased mosquito activity such as dawn and dusk.
- Use repellent. The most up-to-date recommendations can be found at www.epa.gov
- Reduce standing water around your property. This includes bird baths, pet dishes, plastic pools, wheelbarrows, tire swings, and areas where rain collects. Be sure to keep gutters clear and check outdoor plumbing for leaks.
- Stay safe indoors. Keep windows and doors closed when possible, and ensure all screens are secure and intact.
For even more protection around your home, call a professional mosquito control company. The Burgess Pest mosquito control team offers services customized to your property for truly comprehensive protection. Sign up for a standalone mosquito control program, or enroll in our most popular plan, the P10+MT, for mosquito and tick control plus coverage for the top 10 household pests. Already have a yearly service plan? Adding mosquito and tick control is as easy as giving us a call.
Without a doubt, mosquito bites come with a price. When the best Massachusetts mosquito control starts at just $49/month, can you afford not to Protect Your Pad?
Click here to download our Mosquito & Tick Season Survival Guide
