If you live in Central Florida, you know that mosquitoes are a fact of life. Unfortunately, these pesky insects can do more than just annoy you with their buzzing and biting. Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases, some of which can be serious and even deadly. Here’s our guide to mosquito-borne illnesses in Central Florida, including how to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses found in Central Florida. Symptoms can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe and even deadly illnesses. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and skin rash. To protect yourself, you should avoid being outdoors during mosquito peak hours, wear long clothing, and use mosquito repellent with DEET.
Learn More: How Can I Control Mosquitoes at an Outdoor Event?
Zika Virus
In 2016, Florida saw its first outbreak of the Zika virus. Zika can be transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to severe birth defects in pregnant women. Symptoms can include fever, rash, joint pain, and muscle pain. The best way to protect yourself from Zika is to avoid mosquito bites, use condoms during sexual activity, and eliminate standing water around your home.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious disease that can result in swelling of the brain. Symptoms can include headache, fever, vomiting, and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for EEE, so prevention is key. You should protect yourself by wearing long clothing, avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito hours, and using insect repellent with DEET.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause symptoms such as severe headache, joint pain, and rash. Although Dengue Fever is more commonly found in tropical areas, there have been cases reported in Florida in recent years. To prevent Dengue Fever, you should use mosquito repellent with DEET, wear long clothing, and keep your home and surroundings clean and free of standing water.
Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Mosquitoes in Florida: How to Prevent Infestation
Chikungunya Virus
Chikungunya Virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and can result in fever, joint and muscle pain, and skin rash. Chikungunya is primarily found in Africa and Asia, but there have been cases reported in Florida. To protect yourself from Chikungunya Virus, you should use insect repellent with DEET, wear long clothing, and eliminate standing water around your home.
Don’t Resort to Pesticides in the Fight Against Mosquitoes
But what about preventing mosquitoes in the first place? Many people turn to insecticides and pesticides to control mosquito populations around their homes, but these can be harmful to the environment and may not be effective in the long run. That’s where Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control comes in. Our eco-friendly mosquito control treatments target mosquito larvae where they breed, without harming other beneficial insects or the environment.
Protect Your Family From Mosquito-Borne Illnesses With the Help of Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control
We hope this guide has provided you with helpful information on the most common mosquito-borne illnesses found in Central Florida. If you’re worried about the presence of mosquitoes in your home or yard, contact Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary for eco-friendly mosquito control treatments that not only work but do so without harming the environment. Protect yourself and your family from the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses today! Call us at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation.