Mosquito Days Of Summer

Typically known as the dog days of summer, in our area, these sultry days of July and August could easily be renamed the mosquito days of summer.  These tiny pests thrive in our high temperatures and intense humidity and their populations are at a seasonal high.  In Ancient Rome, the dog days of summer were considered a time of madness and the buzzing and biting of mosquitoes can definitely drive anyone mad.  Unfortunately, mosquitoes are much more than just an annoying nuisance. 

In addition to the more commonly known diseases these blood-suckers can spread like West Nile Virus and Encephalitis, this year there is a new threat in our area – Chikungunya Fever.  Chikungunya migrated to the U.S. from the Caribbean and according to the CDD, as of July 22^nd there were more than 280 confirmed cases in the U.S.  Experts are concerned that conditions could be ideal for a significant outbreak in the coming months as two of the species of mosquitoes that are known to transmit the disease have huge populations throughout the Southeast.

Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.  At Arrow, we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and there are many simple steps that you can take to help reduce the threat of mosquito infestations and protect your families including:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home and neighborhood.  This includes wading pools, birdbaths and even flower pots.
• Keep rain gutters cleaned out and properly draining away from your home to prevent standing water.
• Cut back or remove unnecessary vegetation around your home which removes mosquito nesting areas. 
• When swimming pools aren’t in use, keep them covered.
• Check your property for any water that has collected in tree holes and/or hollow stumps.
• Make sure all screens on windows and doors are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your home.
• When outdoors, especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active, apply insect repellent containing (DEET) on your exposed skin.
• If you having problems with mosquitoes around your home, contact a local pest control company like Arrow Exterminators to learn more about professional mosquito control services.

We hope these tips help you avoid the “mosquito days” of summer!