Although it’s common knowledge that mosquitoes, ticks and fleas are a nuisance, these bugs can cause more severe problems. These pests carry certain diseases that can be a serious health risk. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that illnesses from these pests have been increasing. Find out more about these health problems and when you should get help from professional tick, flea and mosquito control services in the Hilton Head area.
Diseases from Mosquito, Tick and Flea Bites
Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks can spread several different diseases to humans and pets. Some of these include Lyme disease, Zika virus, West Nile virus and chikungunya. In some cases, these diseases only cause mild symptoms that can improve on their own.
However, more severe cases can lead to complications that require hospitalization or serious problems that affect those at risk. For example, babies born to women with Zika virus are at risk of having microcephaly, a serious birth defect. Lyme disease can cause long-term complications that include blindness, while West Nile virus can lead to meningitis in rare cases.
Diseases on the Rise
Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas spread diseases when they bite humans or pets in order to feed on their blood. The CDC reports that the number of disease cases from these pests has been on the rise in recent years, but they have tripled overall in the last 13 years.
In 2004, there were just over 27,000 disease cases. In 2016, that number jumped to just over 96,000. In fact, from 2015 to 2016 alone, these cases rose by more than 40,000. During the years between 2004 and 2016, nine new germs carried by these pests were found in the U.S.
Reasons for the Disease Increase
Why have diseases from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas increased so much in the U.S.? Experts believe one reason is that these pests are spreading to new areas and bringing these germs along with them. Overall, populations of mosquitoes, ticks and fleas have also been increasing.
The fact that more and more people travel overseas is another cause for the increase in these diseases. Travelers can end up with a disease on their trip and unknowingly bring it back to the U.S. Keep in mind that scientists are also discovering new diseases, which also helps explain the rise in these illnesses.
Biggest Disease Threats in SC
Not all of the diseases that mosquitoes, fleas and ticks can carry are found in SC, but there are some that you should be aware of. These pests can spread Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other illnesses to humans and pets. Mosquitoes can also spread heartworm to dogs and cats in SC. Having these pests on your property can put you and your family at risk of having one or more of these illnesses, so it’s important to lower your chance of infestations.
Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control Services in Hilton Head
You don’t have to wait for these pests to show up on your property before having something done about them. Having flea, tick and mosquito control services treat your property can help prevent infestations. You can also lower your risk of having them by eliminating standing water that mosquitoes use for their eggs, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and using insect repellent that keeps mosquitoes and ticks at bay. For pets, look into heartworm preventative medicine and flea and tick products to protect them from these pests.
If you need flea, tick or mosquito control services at your Hilton Head home, please contact Island Pest Control. Our licensed technicians stay up-to-date on the latest techniques in the industry to better serve you. We can rid your property of these pests, so you don’t have to worry about them spreading disease.
