Friday, July 29, 2016

Mosquito Treatment In South Florida

When we think of dangerous animals what comes to mind might be sharks, tigers, bears, perhaps snakes or alligators. But what is the most dangerous creature on earth? Without question the answer is: the mosquito. Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread have been responsible for killing more people than all the wars in history. Even today, mosquitoes transmitting malaria kill 2 million to 3 million people and infect another 200 million or more every year. Tens of millions more are killed and debilitated by a host of other mosquito-borne diseases, including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis.

Though mosquitoes can be found in the most far off and exotic locales there are you are just as likely to encounter them in your own yard, perhaps even in your home. Malaria has occurred in the United States, and still does on rare occasions. Mosquitoes capable of carrying and transmitting malaria still inhabit most parts of this country. And an influx of malaria-infected persons has produced localized malaria transmission in some areas of the United States.

Female mosquitoes can be particular about whose blood they consume, with each species having its own preferences. Most mosquitoes attack birds and mammals, though some feed on the blood of reptiles and amphibians. Only female mosquitoes bite, because a blood meal is usually required for egg laying. All male mosquitoes, and the females of a few species, do not bite. They feed on nectar and other plant juices instead of blood.

Perhaps the best means of controlling mosquitoes is to deny them a place to develop. This is source reduction, the elimination of water from places where mosquitoes lay eggs. This can be accomplished by draining ponds, ditches, backwaters and lagoons, and by keeping water out of natural and artificial containers. Each of us has an obligation to make sure our properties are free of mosquito-breeding sites, such as stagnant ponds, poorly maintained swimming pools, tree holes, abandoned tires, bird baths, buckets or other debris in which water accumulates.

You Can Help Control Mosquitoes in Your Own Backyard. When you spend time outdoors, you do not want to worry about the possibility of mosquitoes biting you or your family. To reduce mosquito populations, identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes and neighborhoods.

To reduce the mosquitoes around your property, follow these helpful tips and guidelines. Inspect your roof for leaks, and keep an eye out for leaking outdoor faucets and air conditioning units. Repair any leaks to eliminate the possibility of standing water. Throw away or store any items that can accumulate standing water. If these items are used frequently, they should be stored upside-down. Clean gutters frequently. Debris can clog and obstruct water flow from your roof, causing gutters to fill up with standing water. Clean your swimming pool regularly and keep it chlorinated. Pool covers, which can also collect water and debris, should be cleaned as well.