Mosquitoes are dangerous pests, and taking preventative measures to stop them from living on your property is critical. The mosquitoes in Lake Worth commonly spread diseases.

For Floridians, enjoying a meal, sporting event, or outdoor party is a highlight of calling the Sunshine State home. However, when dreaded outdoor pests interrupt your fun in the sun, it’s not only annoying but also potentially dangerous. In Lake Worth, mosquitoes are a problem year-round due to the abundance of standing water in the area. It’s important to know that a mosquito bite can be more than just itchy, but can cause common mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.

With over 3,000 species of mosquito in the world and 176 species in the United States, they are known as one of the world’s deadliest animals. Typically, mosquitoes have dark bodies with lighter markings or stripes. In addition, they have short antennae, a long nose-like structure called a proboscis, and wings about as long as their bodies. Both males and females use their proboscis to feed on their primary food sources, plant nectar, and other sweet liquids. Females also use the proboscis to feed on human and animal blood, thus causing mosquito-borne illnesses.

Mosquitoes are dangerous pests, and taking preventative measures to stop them from living on your property is critical. The mosquitoes in Lake Worth commonly spread diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and the West Nile virus. Every year, several mosquito-borne diseases pop up in Lake Worth. They can cause overwhelm and stress among residents who want to protect themselves and their loved ones from a mosquito-borne illness.

The West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to humans from mosquitoes who preyed on an infected bird. However, even those (approximately 80%) who experience a bite may not experience any symptoms. However, a small percentage of the population can develop a potentially fatal infection. On average, 1 in 5 people infected by WNV develop symptoms including a rash, headache, fatigue, weakness, body aches, and joint pain.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is most commonly found in horses and is rare in humans. However, of those who got EEE from an infected mosquito bite, 30% of people die, while the remainder often suffers from ongoing neurological problems. Common symptoms of EEE can include headache, fever, behavioral changes, drowsiness, coma, diarrhea, and malaise.

The LaCrosse virus spreads to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito. Most people typically don’t demonstrate symptoms, but some develop vomiting, nausea, headache, fever, lethargy, and fatigue.

Mosquito populations have an abundant presence on properties near or with large areas of standing water. Swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, drainage ditches, and densely wooded areas provide the shade and moisture mosquitoes need to thrive. They are most active around dusk and dawn, and during the mid-day extreme heat, they like to hide in dense vegetation to escape.

• On our Lake Worth properties, some areas that act as breeding sites for mosquitoes include:
• Tree hollows.
• Piles of leaves and grass.
• The tops of trash can lids and tarps.
• Low-lying areas in yards and driveways.
• Containers, flower pots, and buckets.
• Clogged drain spouts and gutters.

Preventing problems with mosquitoes on your West Palm Beach property is a difficult challenge. Here are some steps to help avoid an infestation:

• If you own a pool, make sure to keep it maintained.
• Maintain downspouts and gutters.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and place weather stripping around windows and doors.
• Keep grass cut short.
• Cut back overgrown vegetation.
• Fix leaky hoses and outdoor faucets.
• Get rid of as much standing water from your driveway and yard as possible.
• Store containers that collect water upside down when not in use.

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself dealing with an unmanageable mosquito population. Though you can do some basic yard maintenance, you may not notice a significant change in your mosquito population and may find that professional help is your best bet.

Controlling mosquitoes on your Lake Worth property can feel like a never-ending battle; the best way to keep populations from returning and reduce mosquito numbers is to partner with a local and knowledgeable professional.

At Above and Beyond Pest Control, we are leaders in the pest control industry and are always committed to protecting people and their properties from the many problems pests like mosquitoes are known to cause. Through advanced treatments and Integrated Pest Management, we can safely rid properties of pests for both people and the environment.

To learn more about the personalized pest control services we provide and how we can work together to limit the number of mosquitoes on your property, give Above and Beyond Pest Control a call today and speak with one of our friendly pest control experts!