Why You Should Be Concerned About Mosquitos [Infographic]

While there are many great things about living in Florida, one of the drawbacks is dealing with mosquitos all year long. Having a really wet summer hasn’t helped. With NOAA’s forecast that El Niño is increasing 65% through fall and 70% for the winter 2018/19 season, it’s not going to be dry anytime soon. So, why should you be concerned about mosquitos? There are lots of reasons:

• Several Mosquito-Borne Diseases. There’s not just one to worry about, although Zika and West Nile are of big concern in Florida. Encephalitis and dengue fever are also found in the US.
• Number of Cases on the Rise. There were just 4,858 reported mosquito-borne disease cases in 2004, 14,911 in 2013, and a whopping 47,461 cases in 2016.
• Mosquito Bites Hurt. For some a bite is a nuisance, but others develop severe reactions, including swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fever, swelling, and hives.
• Children More Susceptible. Severe reactions are more common in children, as we become desensitized as we age.
• Voracious Appetites. Mosquitos drink up to three times their body weight and can bite several times.
• Animals Susceptible. There is a vaccine for horses, but dogs, cats, and horses can become infected with West Nile Virus from mosquito bites.
• Unusually Large Mosquitos. Hurricane floods have caused an emergence of the species Psorophra ciliate, a huge variety (3 times larger) that can bite through two layers of clothing.
• Mosquitos Love Beer. If your weekend plans include a couple of cold ones, expect to see even bites than usual.

At The Other Side Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control Inc., we offer mosquito control services. Contact us today to learn more.