No one wants to be bitten by a mosquito, as the bite itself is itchy and uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that mosquitoes can spread a potentially severe illness known as West Nile Virus. This disease causes seasonal epidemics each year in North America, especially in southern areas. Northern Virginia homeowners should be concerned about preventing the spread of West Nile Virus by controlling the mosquito population. You should also take measures to protect yourself and your children from exposure to mosquito bites when possible to avoid infection.

West Nile Virus Facts

Some people that are infected with West Nile Virus develop severe symptoms of the illness. These symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, headache, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, and possible paralysis. Others experience less severe symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and other flu-like symptoms, as well as a skin rash. Up to 80% of people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms at all. The disease is contracted by contact with infected mosquitoes, and has only been passed from human to human in a small number of cases.

Mosquitoes: Control Their Breeding to Reduce Infection

West Nile Virus primarily spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes pick up the disease from biting infected birds, then spread it to the human population, as well as to small mammals. In rare cases, the disease can be transmitted from mother to child during breastfeeding or pregnancy. It can also be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. The easiest way to control the spread of West Nile Virus is to practice effective mosquitoes control. By controlling the population of mosquitoes that are breeding in your area, as well as by preventing exposure to the insects, you can dramatically reduce your chance of infection with West Nile Virus.

Practice Yard Mosquito Control to Keep Your Family Safe

To reduce the population of mosquitoes on your Northern Virginia property, you’ll need to take proactive measures to prevent their breeding. Install high quality screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. Mosquitoes breed near water, so eliminating standing water from your property is very important.

Be sure that you empty flower pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers after each rain, or store them upside down to prevent them from collecting water. Change the water in outdoor pet dishes regularly. Don’t store a child’s pool with water in it, instead keep them empty and store them on their sides so that they cannot collect water. Consider drilling holes in plastic lawn toys, swings, and other toys that are stored outside, so that they cannot collect water and become a mosquito habitat.

If your goal is to control the spread of West Nile Virus, you’ll also need to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Take the time each spring to walk through your Northern Virginia property and mosquito-proof your yard. This should only take a few hours each year, but by preventing standing water on your property, you can help keep mosquitoes from breeding near you and your family.