There are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes found throughout the world. The blood-sucking female is the deadliest disease-carrier in the world, killing millions yearly. To the majority of people, mosquitoes are, at most, annoying. But, unfortunately, some people are highly allergic to these potentially dangerous insects as they spread such deadly diseases as yellow fever, malaria and West Nile Virus.
Yellow Fever
The species of mosquito chiefly responsible for spreading yellow fever is Aedes Aegypti, but other species are also known to transmit this virus. Once a mosquito has bitten an infected human or animal, its bite remains infectious for life. Yellow fever attacks the liver, kidneys and digestive tract, producing intense fever and jaundice. Vomiting and constipation are other common symptoms. Within a few days, as many as 90% of attacked victims die. Actions to prevent yellow fever include vaccination, protective clothing and the use of an insect repellent. No effective cure is known.
Malaria
Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by protozoan parasites, such as the Anopheles mosquito and is a great public health concern. Anemia can result from contracting malaria. Other general symptoms include chills, fever and nausea. Severe cases of malaria can result in coma and even death. Vaccines are currently under development but, thus far, no vaccine is available that provides adequate levels of protection. Preventive drugs can be taken to reduce the risk of the infection of malaria. Infected patients can be treated with such drugs as quinine, but the Anopheles mosquito is resistant to many of these drugs.
West Nile Virus
The mosquito-borne infection, West Nile Virus, was first identified in the U.S. in 1999, according to a statement in the New York State Department of Health, Health News. General symptoms include headache, fever, rash and swollen lymph glands. Sometimes these symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed. West Nile virus can develop into encephalitis or meningitis. At this advanced stage, symptoms include muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis. Sever symptoms can include coma and death. Mosquito bite prevention is the best way to reduce the infection of West Nile Virus.
Eliminating the Carrier
- Only the adult mosquito is non-aquatic. Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae need water. By eliminating all sources of still water near your house, you can significantly reduce the number of young mosquitoes that develop into disease-carrying adults. Filling ponds with goldfish will be helpful as goldfish feed on mosquito larvae.
- Repair or remove receptacles that harbor stagnant water, such as broken gutters and rain barrels. Cover permanent receptacles that hold water, such as wells and cisterns. Rain barrels can be covered with a fine screen that will allow rainwater in but keep mosquitoes out. Swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated regularly.
- Holes of large tree trunks are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Frequently remove water that collects in such places. Another option would be to coat the surface of the water with vegetable oil to kill any developing larvae.
- If you have a birdbath, remember to change the water regularly. Likewise, empty and rinse the saucers from potted plants after rain or watering as adult mosquitoes may lay eggs in them.
- Plant sassafras and sweet basil near windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes away. Eucalyptus trees can help soak up excess water and repel mosquitoes with their scent.
- Set up floodlights away from living spaces and use yellow bulbs instead of white to attract fewer insects. Oil lamps and citronella candles are good for repelling pesky insects.
- Use a natural repellent to spray plants around living areas. Pennyroyal leaves steeped in hot water make a good insect repellent spray. Garlic simmered in cooking oil can be be cooled and sprayed on bushes as well.
Keeping mosquitoes at bay while you garden is certainly a challenge. This challenge should be considered as part of the gardening routine. Mosquitoes are annoying and potentially dangerous. Many times, one does not realize that he (or she) is allergic to a mosquito's bite until he (or she) is actually bitten. Being afflicted with yellow fever, malaria or West Nile Virus can affect you for life. Take up the challenge and irradicate deadly blood-suckers and their eggs from surrounding your home and garden.
