Observed on August 20th, World Mosquito Day is a time to stress the importance of protection against and control of mosquitoes. The first step towards better mosquito control is educating yourself on the effects of these pests and knowing how they can endanger you and your loved ones. Here’s what you should know about World Mosquito Day and why it is vital to learn the facts when it comes to these pests.
The origin of World Mosquito Day can be traced back to 1897 when Dr. Donald Ross discovered that malaria can be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Ross’s findings, which won him the Nobel Peace Prize for Medicine, marked a huge step forward in the scientific understanding of malaria.
Thanks to Dr. Ross’s discovery over 100 years ago, scientists have been able to greatly expand their knowledge of malaria and how it is spread. Although most view mosquitoes as simply nuisances with a nasty bite, these pests can actually cause a lot more harm than that. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that malaria is responsible for 1 million deaths per year, with more than 300 million cases worldwide.
While malaria is probably the most well-known disease carried by mosquitoes, it is definitely not the only one. In addition to malaria, mosquitoes can also become infected with and spread other viruses such as dengue virus and Yellow Fever. Many of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are not only harmful but also potentially deadly. In fact, according to the CDC, mosquitoes are responsible for “more death and disease than any other animal on the planet.”
In addition to being harmful to humans, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases to animals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mosquitoes can endanger animals like dogs and horses with diseases such as heartworms, eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus (EPA).
While World Mosquito Day is a great time to educate yourself on the nature of mosquitoes, it is also a chance to start taking action against them. So, what is the best way to go about ridding your home and outdoor area of these pests? Hiring a professional pest control service like Mosquito Authority is the best way to fight against harmful insects like mosquitoes. At Mosquito Authority, our priority is to give you back your outdoor space by making sure you and your family are protected from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
Don’t wait until your backyard is overrun with mosquitoes, contact Mosquito Authority today to set up an appointment.