Are Mosquitoes In Mcallen Dangerous To Get Bitten By?

At BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control Co., we try to tread delicately when it comes to talking about the dangers pests present. It is far too easy to become fearful of pest-borne diseases. Some of the diseases spread by insects, invertebrates, arachnids, and wildlife are pretty scary. But the reality is that most of the critters that come into your yard are not going to be infected with something that can harm you. This is true of mosquitoes. 

While the diseases you can get from mosquitoes are scary, we're happy to say that few mosquitoes in your yard are likely to have a dangerous pathogen, such as malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever, or West Nile virus. Why? Because most of the mosquitoes that live in your yard are mosquitoes that hatched in your yard. Those mosquitoes have to come in contact with an infected human or animal on your property or near your property in order to pick up a dangerous contagion.

In general, mosquitoes are just annoying pests that leave itchy, puffy wounds - nothing more. But, of course, there's more to it than this. Let's take a look at a few things every McAllen resident should know about mosquitoes, and talk about the role McAllen pest control plays in guarding against unexpected surprises.

A Brief History Of Mosquito Control In McAllen

In the 1900s, residents and business owners invested in chemical treatments to get control of mosquitoes. At the end of the 1900s, advances in science and the sharing of information through the worldwide web lead to smarter ways to get rid of mosquitoes.

Here are a few control methods modern pest management professionals use:

• Professional inspections to evaluate breeding sites and resting areas.
• Breeding sites, such as stagnant water sources, may be removed or treated with a larvacide.
• Treatment of resting areas with naturally derived products or synthetic products. These vary slightly depending on the pest control provider's preferences. Natural products don't last as long and require more frequent treatments. Synthetic products are specially designed compounds that only impact simple organisms.

The goal of mosquito control is not to keep mosquitoes away, but to get rid of mosquitoes when they come. This reduces the population of mosquitoes in your yard and in your neighborhood. 

What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes In McAllen?

Everything in nature has a purpose. Mosquitoes are part of the ecosystem. They help with pollination and they are food for other animals, such as bats. While the world might be better (and safer) without mosquitoes, the goal of mosquito control should not be to exterminate them. It should be to reduce their populations and control where they are allowed to be.

The Diseases Mosquitoes In McAllen Can Transmit

As you consider what to do about mosquitoes in your yard, it is important to understand most of the dangerous mosquito-borne viruses in the world are not localized to the United States. Infected travelers have to bring them into the country.

The most dangerous of the endemic diseases you can get from mosquitoes in the United States is West Nile virus. People die from WNV every year. But the number is very low when you consider the percentage of the population that is impacted, and when you factor in pre-existing medical conditions of those who have severe and life-threatening symptoms.

Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your McAllen Yard

There are many ways you can reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard naturally. Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water, flowering plants, and light. If you're looking for natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes, here are some tips for you:

• Clean your gutters.
• Adjust tarps so they don't collect water.
• Turn kiddie pools over when not being used.
• Remove yard clutter like old tires, buckets, cups, etc.
• Remove broadleaf plants in your landscaping.
• Trim your landscaping plants to allow wind to keep your plants dry.
• Water your landscaping in the early morning.
• Address weed problems in your landscaping and lawn, particularly flowering weeds.
• Replace exterior white lights with yellow lights.

When Is It Time To Get McAllen Pest Control?

While mosquitoes are potentially dangerous, they are mostly just irritating pests. If you want to go out into your yard and enjoy it without getting bitten, there is no better way to do it than to invest in residential mosquito control.

While it is good to roll your sleeves up and use natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes, a licensed professional will give you the best, comprehensive mosquito protection. You can purchase one-time service before an outdoor event or get seasonal treatments to keep mosquitoes away all year.

If you're in McAllen, let BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control Co. help you select the best option for you. Spraying for mosquitoes in your yard breaks the cycle of infestation and has the potential to make your yard a no-fly-zone. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule service.