Mosquitoes- What You Need To Know

Diseases They Bring 

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous species of pests all over the world. It can bring three of the deadliest diseases – malaria, dengue fever, and zika virus. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. For many years, humans have believed the mosquitoes themselves produce the “bacteria” or “virus” called malaria. The truth is, malaria is a parasite the inhabits a mosquito. Once it gets in contact with humans, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. The bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito can cause comatose to a patient. This results from losing too many red blood cells. The dengue virus, on the other hand, is present in the salivary glands of a mosquito.

Side Affects Of A "Bite"

Did you know that mosquitoes do not actually “bite?” They prey on humans through a proboscis, a group of tubes. In the case of a mosquito, it has two tubes, one for blood-sucking, and one for saliva injecting. This is where dengue comes from. The species called Aedes Aegypti is largely dependent on humans. Which is why there are 50 to 100 million cases of dengue fever each year. 500,000 cases of which lead to hemorrhage. 22,000 of which, lead to death worldwide. Another life-threatening illness from the Aedes mosquito is the Zika Virus. The initial symptom of this illness includes fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headache.

This is very lethal to pregnant mothers. One bite from the Aedes mosquito, their unborn child will have microcephaly and will not survive at birth. It can also lead to other deformities and congenital abnormalities in babies if their mothers are infected with the Zika Virus. Who among you are expert enough to determine which mosquito is harmful or not? For all you know, five mosquitoes have been swarming all over you for the last minute. This is the reason why we should never take the infestation of mosquitoes for granted.

Prevention

To prevent mosquito infestation, it is important to get rid of stagnant water. Check the buckets, food bowls, vases, and pots. Cover any stored water to prevent contamination and mosquito infestation. To double your protection, put on mosquito-repellants. There are lotions prescribed by doctors to help you ward off mosquitoes. Experts also claim that drinking apple cider vinegar regularly can help you develop an odor that repels insects from your body. Lemon eucalyptus oil and garlic can help too. Botanists have also studied several plants that help ward off mosquitoes and other insects from your home.

This includes Marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Asters, Daisies, Basil, Anise, and Coriander. If you want you can also buy yourself a mosquito trap. It is not enough but it can help exterminate mosquitoes at home. As concerned citizens, we must raise our awareness about safety. Prevent the infestation of mosquitoes and other pests before they bring peril to us and our loved ones.