Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings, but to our Service Professionals, it is the start of mosquito, flea, and tick season. These pests can transmit many diseases that are not only harmful to you, but also to your favorite furry friends.
Below are a few facts about the three so you can take the bite out of the great outdoors this spring.
What Risks Do Mosquitoes Pose?
Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? It’s true! Everyone knows the annoying, itchy feeling you get after being bitten by a mosquito. Most of us just think of them as pesky insects, but over the years mosquitoes have become one of the most dangerous insects in the world. A few of the diseases mosquitoes transmit are the Zika virus and the West Nile virus.
Zika virus is spread by an infected species called Aedes. West Nile virus is also spread by an infected species called Culex. These types of mosquitoes usually get the disease from birds. Once infected, the mosquito transmits it to people and animals through bites. Mosquitoes can also be harmful to your furry friends. Most people don’t realize that heartworms in animals are caused by mosquitoes. If your pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, it can easily contract the disease. In most cases, the infected pet can be treated, but it is often very expensive.
Our Service Professionals recommend dumping standing water from buckets, dog bowls, and bird feeders after rain because mosquitoes prefer to live and lay eggs on or near standing water.
What Risk Do Ticks Pose?
Ticks not only bite pets, but they can also bite humans as well. Similar to mosquitoes, ticks feed on the blood of their host. The most common disease transmitted from a tick is Lyme disease. Once bitten, a tick can feed and stay on the host for days. Ticks can attach to any part of the body but are often found in hard-to-see areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp.
If bitten by an infected tick carrying Lyme disease, you might not notice symptoms for days. It is important to properly remove a tick immediately if you notice one on you or your pet!
What Risk Do Fleas Pose?
Similar to ticks, both male and female fleas bite. Infected fleas can transmit tapeworms, typhus, and even the plague! Though typhus and the plague are rare, you can still get infected with these diseases from flea bites or contact with an infected animal.
Fleas prefer habitats with shade because they can’t tolerate the sun for long periods of time. To prevent flea infestations in your home, it is best to make your lawn as unattractive to fleas as possible. Our Service Professionals also recommend protecting your pets from fleas and ticks, as prescribed by your Veterinarian, specific for the type of pet you have.
Waynes Can Help!
At Waynes, it is our goal to help you relax and enjoy outdoor living this spring and summer. Through our Mosquito Management Solution Enviroguard, we protect you and your home from mosquitoes. We now offer a Mosquito+ treatment that bundles mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks together for added security! If you are experiencing problems with any of these pests around your home or business, call Waynes at 866-WAYNES1. Our Service Professionals have all the knowledge needed to Mutilate Mosquitoes and Pulverize Pests so you can enjoy your space again.
