Mosquitoes are a common summer nuisance in the Hilton Head area. While their itchy bites can be unpleasant, these pests can pose a greater risk to residents. Some mosquitoes carry diseases that they can spread to people and pets when they bite. Keep the following in mind, and consider having Hilton Head mosquito treatments done to protect your yard from these pests.
Viral Illnesses
Mosquitoes can spread viruses that can cause serious complications, including brain inflammation or encephalitis. These diseases include West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon and Cache Valley. Chikungunya is another mosquito-borne virus that can cause brain inflammation. However, this virus is mainly found outside the U.S.
West Nile virus is among the more common viruses spread by mosquitoes in SC. This virus typically doesn’t cause any symptoms in those who are infected. However, some people can get mild symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, a rash, joint pain and vomiting or diarrhea. A low number of people can get severe symptoms of West Nile virus, such as a stiff neck, high fever, muscle weakness, convulsions and vision loss. These serious symptoms mostly occur in those who are 60 years old or older or those who have weaker immune systems.
Zika virus is another mosquito-borne illness that’s a risk to humans. While this virus usually only causes mild or no symptoms in adults, it can cause severe birth defects. Zika virus is also mainly found outside the U.S. However, cases have occurred in the U.S. due to people traveling to South America and other places where these mosquitoes are found.
Other mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue and yellow fever, are not a threat in the Hilton Head area. These viruses mainly occur in other parts of the world. Those who are traveling from SC to one of these areas should get vaccinated against mosquito-borne diseases before leaving.
Parasitic Infections
Some mosquitoes carry parasites that can make pets and people seriously ill. These mosquitoes can spread heartworm to dogs and cats, which can cause life-threatening complications. While these worms usually don’t survive in cats, they can cause permanent damage to the heart and other organs in dogs. Hilton Head mosquito treatments can help lower the risk of heartworm in your pets.
Certain types of mosquitoes carry single-celled parasites that cause malaria, which is a serious illness that can lead to severe complications. This infectious disease mostly occurs in other parts of the world and is not currently considered a threat in SC.
Mosquito Prevention
How can you make sure that you and your family are protected from mosquito-borne diseases? Having Hilton Head mosquito treatments done on your property can help keep these pests at bay. You can have these treatments done on a regular basis throughout the season or schedule them before an event you’re having, such as a family barbecue. These treatments are an important part of keeping mosquito populations down.
Professional mosquito treatments are one way to keep your family safe from the West Nile virus and other diseases. You can also reduce mosquitoes in your yard in other ways. Getting rid of standing water in your yard eliminates places that mosquitoes use for their eggs. This can keep them from being able to reproduce on your property, which should help lower their numbers.
You should also take precautions when you’re outdoors this season. Wearing mosquito repellent and covering your arms and legs can lower your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. If you have pets, you should consider using heartworm preventative products to protect them from this disease.
If mosquitoes are making your summer miserable, contact Island Pest Control right away. We offer Hilton Head mosquito treatments to eliminate these pests and prevent them from becoming a problem again.
