Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Prevention
Mosquitoes are more than a backyard nuisance. They are one of the most dangerous disease-carrying insects on the planet, responsible for transmitting serious illnesses to humans and pets alike. Understanding which mosquitoes are active in your area and what they carry is the first step in protecting your family.
Mosquito Authority has built its entire service around this knowledge. Our science-based approach targets the mosquitoes most likely to affect your yard, your children, and your pets. We treat every 21 days to break the mosquito life cycle and keep your outdoor space safe all season long.
Common Disease-Carrying Mosquito Species
The Malaria Mosquito
Appearance
Large, dark-brown mosquito with four dense patches of scales on each wing.
Active Time
Most active at dusk and dawn.
Diseases
Chief vector of malaria in the eastern, central, and southern United States.
Breeding Sites
Permanent fresh water in sluggish streams, canals, ponds, and lakes containing surface-growing or emergent vegetation or floating debris.
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Appearance
Small mosquitoes with a distinctive body pattern and striped markings.
Active Time
Very aggressive. Often bites during the day.
Diseases
Can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever, among other diseases.
Breeding Sites
Containers that hold water for seven days or more.
Aedes Albopictus Mosquito
Appearance
Black mosquito with striking white markings on the body and legs.
Active Time
Very aggressive. Often bites during the day.
Diseases
Vector for Chikungunya, West Nile virus, and heartworm, among others.
Breeding Sites
Containers that hold water for seven days or more.
The House Mosquito
Appearance
Light brown mosquitoes that lack distinctive markings on the proboscis and legs.
Active Time
Most active at dusk and dawn.
Diseases
Recognized as the primary vector of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus in the eastern United States.
Breeding Sites
Containers that hold water for seven days or more. Storm drains and catch basins. Septic seepage and other foul water.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Chikungunya
About
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The virus does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
Vector Mosquitoes
Most often spread to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger) mosquitoes. They bite mostly during the daytime.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 3 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Severe joint pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Headache
Treatment
There is no cure for chikungunya. Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.
Dog Heartworm
About
Heartworm disease is a serious parasitic condition spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in the blood vessels and hearts of infected pets. The parasite can cause injury to the lungs, arteries, and heart.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 3 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito:
- Cough
- Exercise intolerance
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Enlargement of the liver
- Abnormal heart sounds
Treatment
If infected, your pet will likely need courses of steroids, heartworm preventive, and antibiotics before he or she is ready to start the actual adult heartworm treatment. This process can take up to 60 days.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
About
EEE is a rare disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. EEE can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Most cases of EEE have been reported from Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region.
Vector Mosquitoes
Transmitted to humans by some Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex species capable of creating a bridge between infected birds and uninfected mammals.
Symptoms
It takes 4 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito to develop symptoms of EEE. Severe cases begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting, followed by disorientation, seizures, and coma.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for EEE, and it can be fatal. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective anti-viral drugs have been discovered.
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“This season we switched to Mosquito Authority and our family never had any bites from being in our yard! A couple times we did see one mosquito. All we had to do was call and they sent someone out quickly to re-spray!”
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“Mosquito Authority has proved to be reliable and effective at ridding our yard of mosquitos. The product works, the applicator is extremely nice, polite and respectful. Thankfully, our family can use and enjoy our back yard...”
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“Since we’ve been using the barrier sprays from The Mosquito Authority we haven’t had to spray Deet on the kids, we’ve been able to sit out here all evening and we’ve really been able to reclaim this as our favorite room in the house”- Emmie
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No CommitmentsWe provide a no-obligation estimate. After your technician arrives, they will outline the scope of work, price and approach to be used. This way, you never have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees.
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Rooted in ScienceOur service is a combination of treatments that break the mosquito's life cycle to prevent breeding habitats and larvae growth. Then, every 21 days we return to repeat the process.
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Peace of MindWith Mosquito Authority, finding a highly trained mosquito professional is quick and easy. Our service guarantee, gives you the peace of mind that should the mosquitoes return, we can be responsive.