West Nile Virus In Middle Tennessee

There is no way to deny that mosquitoes can carry diseases that can make people sick, but there is no need to panic when we hear scary words like West Nile Virus. In fact, there are over 3,000 species of mosquito worldwide, but only a few are vectors. A vector is a biting pest that can transmit a disease or parasite to people or pets and although the risk of contracting a mosquito borne illness is low, it does happen and it can make you very ill. That is why we have to pay attention when we know there are infected mosquitoes around.

Officials have now had two batches of mosquitoes in middle Tennessee test positive for West Nile Virus. This only means that there are infected mosquitoes around – no humans in Tennessee have contracted this illness yet, which means that we need to pay attention to mosquito bite prevention. Truly, the best way to avoid this illness and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to know the facts and prevent bites.

Mosquitoes are very predictable insects – creatures of habit if you will. For example: they lay their eggs in standing water and love to hide in overgrown shrubs and bushes. They commonly bite during dawn and dusk hours and usually rest during the heat of the day. They are profound breeders and 1 mosquito generates more than 3,000 larvae in its lifetime. Because they are predictable, there are things we can practically do to prevent bites.

• Eliminate standing water where breeding occurs

• Aerate pools and small ponds whenever possible

• Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed and grass cut

• Treat standing water sources such as ponds that you cannot eliminate

• Repair screens in doors and windows

• Stay inside during dawn and dusk hours

• Wear light colored long sleeved shirts and pants

• Do not wear perfume

• Use a bug repellent containing at least 20% DEET

Of course it is impossible to completely eliminate mosquitoes from our environment, but the best way to greatly reduce their numbers is to call on a professional like All-American Pest Control to partner with you in your battle. We have highly trained professionals that are focused on protecting you while protecting our environment. We are locally owned and operated and work hard to provide you with reliable, respectful service that works! So when you hear all the hype and fright about West Nile Virus, remember not to panic – know the facts, act accordingly, and call on us to help.