New Health Threats Posed By Mosquitoes

Contact:
Sara McKinney
Action Pest Control
saram@actionpest.com

Action Pest Control encourages public awareness of mosquito threats this season.

Evansville, IN, (March 8, 2016) – Spring is nearly upon us, and so may be increased health threats posed by mosquitoes. The news of Zika virus, a disease-causing pathogen spread to humans through mosquito bites, has been confirmed in states across the country. There is great concern about the virus’ potential effect on pregnant women as there is mounting evidence of a link to microcephaly, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development in infants.

The CDC has issued travel alerts for people planning to travel to countries and territories (in the Americas) with active Zika virus transmission. Both the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have come out in force to promote public attention to this matter. In a statement from the White House earlier this year, “The President emphasized the need to accelerate research efforts to make available better diagnostic tests, to develop vaccines and therapeutics, and to ensure that all Americans have information about the Zika virus.”

“Mosquitoes only require about a ½” of water to breed,” says Keith Smith, Regional Director of Action Pest Control. “By eliminating potential breeding sites, homeowners are preventing mosquito larvae from growing into breeding, biting adults, potentially making their property safer and more enjoyable.”

To raise public awareness around mosquito prevention, Action Pest Control is hoping to help educate the public about ways in which they can avoid personal contact with mosquitoes and how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to reduce the biting adult mosquito populations in our area.

What can I do to prevent mosquitoes?

• Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers, and other objects where water might collect.
• Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the majority of mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito hours, or when you know you’ll be outdoors for extended periods, wear long pants and sleeves and use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
• Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries. Take extra precaution in wearing effective insect repellents and protective clothing if traveling outside the U.S.
• If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact a pest management company or your local health department.

Primary carriers of the Zika virus are of the Aedes genus of mosquitoes, which is the same species that carries dengue fever and chikungunya. Although the specific species known to transmit Zika is not a native species to the U.S., other species of the Aedes genus, like the Aedes culex, are present. So far, all human cases reported in the U.S. have resulted from travel abroad.

About Action Pest Control

“Action Pest Control is an industry leader in providing effective pest management solutions, with eight locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. We combine innovative processes, ongoing education, and extensive quality control measures in serving both homes and businesses. Action provides timely and knowledgeable service from trustworthy professionals. To learn more about Action Pest Control, visit ActionPest.com.”