Atlanta Area Mosquitoes
You can easily identify these obnoxious bugs. Mosquitoes are often heard buzzing around the face. These winged insects are small, have six legs and antennae. People may notice mosquitoes in more abundant numbers at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes can be found in humid environments, like Georgia, as they need water to live and reproduce. If there is any stagnant water pooled up around an Atlanta property, there is probably a mosquito population. Additionally, mosquitoes like protected areas like thick shrubs and long grass.
Small But Deadly
Not only are these flying pests a nuisance, but they can also inflict a great deal of harm. Do mosquitoes in Atlanta carry Lyme disease? No, but they do transmit many other dangerous conditions. Considered one of the world’s deadliest animals, the mosquito spreads life-threatening diseases that can put creatures living in many areas at risk.
- Chikungunya: Victims develop this viral disease when a mosquito bites someone with chikungunya. Then after ingesting their blood, the virus replicates, and it is passed when the mosquito bites another person. Symptoms can include swelling, rashes, severe pain, headache, and fever; these generally can be seen within three to seven days of a bite. Crippling muscle pain may linger, and although a rarity, severe cases may lead to death.
- Dengue: This illness arises when an infected mosquito bites a victim. Flu-like conditions are common, and most people recover within a week or so. Severe dengue is rare but can cause vomiting, restlessness, and stomach pain. Instances of internal bleeding and even death have been documented.
- Malaria: People can contract this mosquito-borne disease when bitten by a mosquito that carries malaria. Chills, fever, vomiting, achiness, sweating, and headache, may be experienced anywhere from seven to 30 days after receiving the bite. More drastic cases can lead to death but patients may first exhibit comas, seizures, kidney damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and severe anemia.
- West Nile Virus: The chances are that if an American contracts a mosquito-borne virus, it will most likely be the West Nile virus. This illness can also be recognized in birds, mammals, and humans. Many victims experience only a mild fever or headache if they develop symptoms, but a tiny percentage of the population could develop debilitating conditions of encephalitis or meningitis.
- Yellow Fever: Mosquitoes carry this infection to humans, monkeys, and even some other animals. Vomiting, headache, and fever are the usual symptoms but can sometimes lead to serious organ issues and bleeding. Death is the worst-case scenario.
- Zika Virus: Unlike most other illnesses, most people who contract this mosquito-borne virus do not show any symptoms. Muscle pain, fever, headache, and rash are mild symptoms. There is also an association between contracting the Zika virus and developing Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Preventing Mosquitoes
Ward off these disease-carrying pests by taking preventative steps. Eliminate stagnant water from yards of Atlanta properties. Use fans to blow mosquitoes away from the skin. Wear light-colored clothing and use the middle of the day to engage in outdoor activities. Sprays with DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil can further repel mosquitoes.
Additional Help
Now the question, “do mosquitoes in Atlanta carry Lyme disease?” doesn’t have to worry homeowners. If you want to learn even more about deterring mosquitoes, it is best to call in the experts. Contact Tuxedo Mosquito Control to get our professional advice and information on our mosquito misting and mosquito spraying services. Call us today for a free quote!
