Mosquitoes in the Pacific Northwest
Mosquitoes pose an immense threat to human health. In addition to leaving behind itchy and irritating bite marks, these pests can transmit a multitude of deadly diseases such as malaria, Zika Virus, and West Nile. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 1 million people die as a result of mosquito bites each year, mainly due to the spread of malaria. With over 200 different species of mosquitoes throughout the United States, these insects are extremely common and can be found in nearly every type of habitat, ranging from deserts to mountain meadows.
Mosquito Habitat
Mosquitoes rely on stagnant or very slow-moving water to breed, so they are particularly common in marsh areas or around lakes. That said, these pests only need a half-inch of standing water to lay their eggs in, so they can thrive nearly everywhere. Mosquitoes are often found around homes and can breed using things like ponds, puddles, flower pots, or other items that may collect rainwater. Homeowners should regularly check their property for areas that are accumulating excess water to eliminate spaces where these pests can reproduce.
Mosquito Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Though most people are familiar with the itchy welt of a mosquito bite, these pests can be far deadlier. Since mosquitoes feed on blood from a variety of hosts and pump saliva into your skin as they bite, these pests can transmit serious diseases. Though most people infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms, a small percentage of people can experience severe or life-threatening symtoms. Mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting heartworm to dogs, making them dangerous to pets and humans alike. Because these pests can be so deadly, it is important to call a professional mosquito exterminator to prevent or eliminate mosquitoes from your property.