An Increasing National Problem

An Increasing National Problem

The Increase in Bloodsuckers

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is expressing concern regarding a national increase in ticks and mosquitos. Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., VP of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Entomologist of the NPMA states that, “with the seasons changing, people are spending more time outdoors… increasing their exposure to biting pests such as mosquitos and ticks.” Advanced Symbolics conducted an online research study consisting of a sample group of 274,500 Americans between January 2018 and May 2019. The study found that there was an 11.4% spike in tick problems and a 9.4% spike in mosquito problems.

Different Species and Diseases

Common US mosquito species include the Aedes, Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex, Culiseta, Ochlerotatus, and Psorophora. While it may seem inconsequential to be aware of these different breeds, the importance lies in the fact that each species is known for carrying and transmitting different diseases. For example, the Anopheles is notorious for being the primary agent for spreading malaria, and the Culex is well-known for its involvement in outbreaks of the West Nile Virus. Other serious diseases spread by mosquitos include: the Zika Virus, Chikungunya Virus, Dengue, and Yellow Fever. Ticks common to the East and Midwest include the American dog tick, Black-legged tick, Brown dog tick, Groundhog tick, and the Lone Star tick. Tickborne diseases range from mild symptoms such as fever/chills, aches/pains, and rash, to severe medical emergencies that can require hospitalization. In the US, ticks are well known for transmitting both Lyme disease and the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever along with a host of other serious illnesses.

Protecting Yourself

The NPMA is recommending that preventative measures are taken to prevent the transmission of heinous diseases from these biting pests. Mosquitos are attracted to body odors, warmth, movement and, especially, the exhalation of carbon dioxide. Their ability to sense these qualities make them experts at honing in on their human hosts. By putting up shields to block these senses, you have a chance at protecting yourself from a swarm of the pests. Techniques of shielding yourself include, wearing clothing that covers your exposed skin, applying mosquito repellant, burning citronella candles, planting different flowers and herbs that mosquitos have an aversion to such as lavender, or even using oils such as lemon eucalyptus to repel the bloodsuckers. While most common between April and September, tick exposure can actually occur year-round. Before you go outdoors, it’s important to be aware of where you may come into contact with ticks and how to properly treat yourself and your gear (if hiking, camping, etc.) to repel the bloodsucking arachnids. When hiking or camping, avoid extremely heavily wooded areas with extensive foliage – walk in the center of trails and pitch your tent in a clearing. You can also treat your clothing and gear with permethrin products and use EPA approved insect repellants on yourself. When you return indoors, you will always want to examine yourself, your clothing, and your pets carefully. The sooner you spot a tick, the better chance you have of removing it before it can latch on to you and transmit harmful pathogens into your bloodstream.

The Best Mosquito/Tick Protection

Scheduling routine Mosquito/Tick Control Treatments is the best way to protect yourself and your family from an onslaught of potentially dangerous bites. Our Treatment includes elimination of mosquitos and ticks as well as warding off fleas. Your local technician will do a complete treatment of your home, even eliminating mosquito areas of safe harbor around your yard, to best safeguard your family and home from those pesky vectors of disease.

Citations

Hill, C. and MacDonald, J. (2008) Purdue University. The College of Agriculture: Entomology. Available at: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/mosquito.html#top (Accessed: April 2020). Guide to Different Tick Species and the Diseases They Carry (2019) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tick-species/sls-20127911 (Accessed: April 2020). Mosquito-Borne Diseases (2016) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html (Accessed: April 2020). Mosquitos (2019) National Geographic. National Geographic Partners. Available at:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/mosquitos/ (Accessed: April 2020). Preventing Tick Bites (2019) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avois/on_people.html (Accessed: April 2020).