West Nile Virus marches across the United States

Mosquitoes used to be a mere nuisance pest, but now they pose serious public health risks around the country as West Nile Virus continues its march across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been found in 43 states and Washington, D.C. and is responsible for 246 deaths.

West Nile Virus has decimated raptors including hawks and owls across this country. This is a serious issue as rodents are a raptor’s primary food source. More rodents mean a greater risk of rodent transmitted diseases including hantavirus, a sometimes-fatal illness. Over 140 species of birds have been afflicted and it is estimated by the CDC that over 1 million birds have died. Even the equine population faces a serious threat, with West Nile Virus spreading west and affecting horses at a rapid rate (11,000 cases through December 2002).

However, West Nile Virus is not the only disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Other mosquito-borne diseases include Malaria, confirmed in Virginia in 2002 and responsible for over two million deaths worldwide; and Dengue fever, which afflicts up to 200 Americans per year. Again, horses throughout the U.S. have not been spared from the deadly effects of equine encephalitis, also transmitted by mosquitoes. It’s clear that we must band together to protect our homes, businesses and communities from mosquitoes.

The National Pest Management Association recommends that each and every homeowner and business owner do their part to control mosquitoes by:

Eliminating breeding sites by cleaning out gutters and other areas where standing water may be present such as bird baths, ponds and non-filtered swimming pools
Screening windows, doors and other openings with mesh
Removing unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed
Using insect repellent containing N,N-diethylbenzamide (DEET) on exposed skin and clothes
Introducing mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water
Contacting a local pest control professional to inspect in and around your home or business to locate potential breeding sites and advise you on control methods

In addition to the traditional pest control services that many homeowners are more familiar with, such as termite treatments and ant control, quite a number of pest control professionals also offer mosquito management services. Still, many homeowners are not aware that they can turn to a professional for mosquito control. Mosquitoes and the potential illnesses they transmit are indeed a serious public health issue. As a local pest control professional I can assure the public that we are ready to do our part.