Mosquitoes are a common nuisance and problem for many homeowners here in Texas. Not only do they leave red itchy welts, but they can also carry dangerous viruses detrimental to your health such as the West Nile virus. To prevent the West Nile virus, you need to have the proper information on the mosquitoes that carry it and what to expect if you get it.
Where Does It Come From?
While all mosquitoes may seem the same, there are several different species of mosquitoes. The Culex species, which typically feeds from evening to morning, is the type of mosquito that carries the West Nile virus. The West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. This dangerous virus is most commonly contracted through bites from an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on infected birds that have been previously infected with the virus via another mosquito. This is how the virus is passed around.
West Nile Virus Symptoms
8 out of 10 people who contract the West Nile virus do not show or develop any signs or symptoms. Therefore, it can be hard to tell if you have the virus. If you have been bitten by a mosquito, it’s important to watch for any symptoms of the West Nile virus. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Muscle weakness
- Vision loss
How To Take Prevention
While severe illness can strike anyone, people over the age of 60 or people with other conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension are more susceptible. One of the biggest problems with the West Nile virus is that there currently is no cure or vaccine. Instead, the only treatment available is over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and alleviate other symptoms. This is why prevention is so important. Taking active measures to prevent mosquito bites goes a long way in ensuring your safety from the West Nile virus. Ways to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Using insect repellent to keep mosquitoes out of biting range.
- Wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants in the evenings to prevent bites. Making sure these are light colors can also help prevent bites.
- If you have small children in a stroller, consider using mosquito netting to prevent them from getting bitten.
These efforts can help keep you from getting bitten, but the best way to prevent mosquito bites is to control the mosquito population in your yard by exterminating your pest problem. Whether you choose to do it yourself or call in the professionals to make it easy, going straight after the pests with a proper treatment plan is going to be the most effective way of getting rid of them.
Keep Your Family Safe
Don’t allow mosquitoes to invade you and your family’s space around your home if you want to keep your family members from getting the West Nile virus. Chorbie has pest control specialists standing by ready to aim and assist any homeowners in need in the DFW area. Contact us today to get top-notch pest control service so you can keep your home bug-free and your skin free from bites.
