Zika Virus and Mosquitoes

Summer is here in the Valley of the Sun, and while we don’t have an overwhelming issue with mosquitoes in the desert, they can definitely be a problem with just a little bit of (unintended) encouragement.

As if the nasty buggers weren’t enough, now we also have to deal with Zika virus.

If you haven’t been paying attention to the news, there’s been a lot of coverage lately about the Zika virus and how it appears to be spreading throughout the United States.

What Is Zika Virus?

The Zika Virus causes Zika Virus Disease and is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although Zika is typically not life threatening, it certainly can cause a lovely summer day to turn into a not-so-fun event.

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms associated with Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis or pinkeye. The discomfort can last up to a week, and most of the time, people aren’t even aware they’ve been infected.

The story changes if it’s a pregnant woman who is bitten, however. Zika can result in microcephaly, a serious birth defect, as well as other serious brain defects in the fetus.

The silver lining here is that once a person is infected, Zika doesn’t usually return.

On the flip side, the virus often goes undiagnosed, so it’s challenging to say how far it’s spread around the globe and what your chances are of being infected.

Minimize the Risk of Mosquitoes and Zika Virus

One of the ways you can protect yourself and your family is to minimize the risk of contracting the Zika Virus by minimizing your chances of being bitten by some angry, hungry mosquitoes.

If you’re planning to travel to the woods or a more humid location this summer, be sure to use a mosquito repellant so you don’t seem so tasty to the little guys.

Around your house, the best way to create an unwelcome location for mosquitoes is to make your yard as arid as possible.

Mosquitoes breed in standing, stagnant water. That means a green pool or even a puddle from overwatering your landscape looks like the perfect breeding location for a pregnant female mosquito.

Things you can do now include:

• Keep your pool clean, clear, and free of algae.
• Check your drip-irrigation system for any leaks or issues.
• Filter the water in any fountains or ponds you have on your property.
• Add a bat house to your property since their favorite food is those pesky bugs and mosquitoes.

Call in the Big Guns

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mosquitoes attack. Perhaps it’s because your neighbor’s pool is green or you live in an area that uses flood irrigation. Whatever the reason, you could find that you have a mosquito problem.

Now it’s time to call for help.

You can trust the professionals at Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination to get rid of the mosquitoes that make their way into your home and yard.

We don’t like to get bitten anymore than you do, so we’ll do everything we can to keep your family safe.