A mistake you should be afraid of this summer (and it’s not the cicadas!)

If you follow the news, you’ve probably seen headlines about “Brood X,” the huge population of cicadas that will soon hit many Midwestern and Southeastern states, including Kentucky. Waking up from slumber for the first time in 17 years, Brood X will undoubtedly be a memorable phenomenon.

If you are afraid of cicadas, think again. Despite their disconcerting appearance and deafening mating call, cicadas pose no risk to humans. They do not bite, sting or transmit any disease. They are actually very beneficial to the environment: they prune trees, aerate the soil, supply nitrogen to growing plants, and provide sustenance for many insectivorous animals. Their presence can be annoying, but not harmful.

An insect that you have to fear, on the other hand, is the mosquito. Unlike cicadas, mosquitoes leave nasty bites that sting and spread dangerous pathogens to humans. In fact, mosquitoes are often considered the deadliest animal on the planet, responsible for more than a million deaths caused by malaria each year. In addition to malaria, mosquitoes also transmit the Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, and many more diseases. According to the CDC, global epidemics of diseases caused by mosquito-borne viruses are on the rise, such as the Zika epidemic (2015-2017) and the Chikungunya epidemic (2013-2014).

Mosquito Prevention and Eradication: Understanding Why It Matters

As it gets hotter, we can only hope to find more and more mosquitoes. Did you know that a record number of mosquitoes was anticipated in the eastern United States in 2020? Thanks to above-average temperatures and rainfall, mosquito populations are thriving in every state.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out with every breath, which makes them very difficult to avoid. Also, some types of mosquitoes, such as black and white striped Asian tiger mosquitoes, are active at all hours of the day, even in bright sunshine! While there are some preventative measures you can take, it is recommended that you contact an experienced pest control professional to treat a recurring mosquito problem.

You can protect yourself by covering yourself with long, thick clothing and making sure your home has mosquito-proof window screens. Eliminating standing water on your property, such as birdbaths and empty flower pots, can also prevent mosquitoes from breeding. You should also consider taking preventative steps, such as enrolling in Black Diamond’s mosquito preventative services.

As travel restrictions from the pandemic begin to ease, many people are looking forward to more local and international travel. Before doing so, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the risks of mosquitoes in the region you are traveling to. Different locations have higher risks, and most mosquito-borne viruses still lack specific vaccines or medications. Some CDC pages, such as the traveler’s health page and the disease map, are good resources. If you experience symptoms during or after your trip, such as a rash, fever, headache, or joint pain, you should share your travel history with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Always avoid exposure to mosquitoes for a few weeks after your return, as even if you do not have symptoms completely, you can transmit viruses such as Zika or dengue to mosquitoes in the home.

If you’ve noticed a large population of mosquitoes in your residence or backyard, despite your best efforts to stop them, it’s time to contact a pest control professional who is experienced in eradicating (and even preventing) mosquitoes. Black Diamond’s Mosquito Preventive Service provides you with seven seasonally appropriate applications on your property, fully warranted and tailored to your specific needs. Not only will you receive suggestions to help you avoid attracting mosquitoes to your property, but you will also be able to enjoy being outside in your garden during some of the most beautiful months of the year. For additional information, call 877-DEAD-BUG today.

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