Dangers of Mosquitoes in North Carolina

Summer means the return of mosquitoes--and you know what that means. Yup. It means you've got to face the dangers of mosquitoes! From itchy bites and swelling to the threat of mosquito-borne viruses, you'll need to keep yourself safe this year.

But the threat mosquitoes pose is actually one of the most misunderstood problems families deal with. So, what are the dangers of mosquitoes? Let's take a look at this mosquito problem and put it into perspective.

Protecting Yourself from the Dangers of Mosquitoes

North Carolina's warm and humid climate provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. While often seen as mere nuisances, mosquitoes pose significant health risks to both humans and animals, as they can carry and transmit many potentially life-threatening viruses. In North Carolina, these tiny pests are not just a summertime pest; they can be carriers for illnesses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and Zika virus.

How to Prevent the Dangers of Mosquitoes

Several preventive measures can help reduce the impact of mosquitoes in North Carolina. These include:

• eliminating standing water around homes
• using insect repellents
• wearing protective clothing
• installing screens on windows and doors

If you live near stagnant bodies of water like ponds or lakes, you may notice an increase in mosquito swarms in the summer. You can petition for your community to implement integrated mosquito management strategies, combining surveillance, habitat modification, and targeted pesticide applications to control mosquito populations effectively while minimizing environmental harm.

Disease & Other Dangers of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are notorious for transmitting diseases. In North Carolina, the most common mosquito-borne illness is West Nile virus, with cases reported almost every year. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological complications, posing a significant risk to public health.

Eastern equine encephalitis, though rare, can be deadly if contracted. In recent years, concerns about Zika virus have also emerged, especially for pregnant women, as the virus can lead to birth defects.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

We all know that mosquitoes cause itchy welts. But there isn't a whole lot we can do about that. We're going to get bitten if we go into a location that has lots of mosquitoes. For most of us, the threat of itchy bites doesn't keep us from enjoying life. We just shrug it off. But we shouldn't.

If you tend to shrug things off, you should know that mosquitoes spread many illnesses that we mistake for the flu or the common cold. If you'd like to be sick less, one of the best ways to do so is to prevent bites. Mosquito bite prevention can actually have a dramatic impact on how many bites you receive.

• Spray repellent on your skin or on your clothing to ward off bites.
• Use a repellent with oil of lemon eucalyptus if you prefer a natural option.
• If you'll be in a location that has lots of mosquitoes, consider wearing clothing that has mosquito netting.
• A good breeze will keep mosquitoes off you much better than the smoke from a campfire. If you're having a cookout in your backyard, consider running an extension cord and putting some fans outside. That will push those mosquitoes away.
• Wear bright colors to make it harder for mosquitoes to lock onto you.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to give mosquitoes less skin to target.

Final Word: Dangers of Mosquitoes in North Carolina

Most of the mosquitoes that bite you are mosquitoes that hatch on or near your property because mosquitoes don't travel very far, generally. That means you can seriously affect how many bites you get by investing in mosquito control for your property.

So while mosquitoes may seem like minor nuisances, their presence in North Carolina carries significant risks to human health, environmental stability, and economic well-being. By understanding the dangers of mosquitoes and implementing proactive measures to control their populations, you can better protect yourself from the threats posed by these blood-sucking insects.

If you live in our North Carolina service area, give us a call today to get started with professional mosquito control you can trust. We have exterminators and mosquito control specialists in Hickory, Lenoir, Mooresville, Blowing Rock, and West Jefferson. Simply give us a call at  828-481-9140 to schedule your first free pest inspection.