Mosquitoes in Cleveland
Mosquitoes significantly threaten human health and survival, surpassing all other animals. Mosquitoes are most active from spring to fall, particularly in summer. While their itchy bites are a nuisance, they also transmit numerous dangerous diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites cause the deaths of over 1 million people annually, primarily due to malaria. In the United States alone, approximately 150 mosquito species inhabit diverse habitats ranging from desert regions below sea level to mountain meadows exceeding elevations of 10,000 feet. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya also pose significant health risks globally.
Mosquito Habitat
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slowly moving water, so they are commonly found around marshes and lakes. They only need a half-inch of standing water to breed, so they are commonly found around homes, in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any other container that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. This highlights the importance of homeowners regularly inspecting their property for containers that could collect water, creating a haven for mosquito populations. As little as a few drops of water is all that is needed to create the perfect breeding ground for thousands of mosquito eggs. Mosquito eggs can hatch within days, rapidly increasing their population in suitable breeding sites.
Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Most mosquito species need a blood meal to lay eggs. Their bites are generally harmless if the mosquito is not carrying a virus or disease, and if the host is not allergic to their bites. The mosquito’s saliva is responsible for causing the bite to itch and sometimes appear red and swollen. Most individuals infected with mosquito-borne viruses show either no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms that might not require a doctor’s visit. Nonetheless, a small percentage of those infected develop severe symptoms. Mosquitoes can also spread heartworm disease to dogs. Preventive measures such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Mosquitoes can be dangerous, which is why it’s so important to contact a professional mosquito exterminator for exclusion and control services to protect your Cleveland property.
