The last time mosquitoes made a big splash in the news was in 2016 at the Summer Games, when Zika virus was a prevalent threat in Brazil.

But for the first time in 20 years a much more dangerous mosquito-borne illness is making headlines – much closer to home. In the past few weeks, nearly 10 cases of non-travel-related malaria have popped up in the southern United States. One was in Texas, the rest in Florida, and 6 in Sarasota County alone.

This is why we here at Good News Pest Solutions spend so much time talking about mosquitoes and the dangers they pose. Just when we think we’re in the clear, another disease vector is apparently resurrected.

Zika & West Nile, Dengue & Malaria

Other than the house fly or the cockroach, mosquitoes are one of the primary carriers of diseases, and can sometimes even spread viruses across species. This is due in large part to the fact that the pregnant females bite and imbibe blood – and they don’t care where it comes from. Humans, pets, livestock and cattle are all subject to the mosquito bite – and then pass on whatever disease the host has to their next victim.

Sometimes the mosquitoes’ body chemistry even alters the disease.

Regardless of any strange genetic mutations – we’re not going to see Peter Parker or Mosquito Man anytime soon – mosquitoes can definitely bring more to their dinner table than an itch and a scratch on your arm.

Most malaria cases diagnosed in the United States are imported, usually by persons who travel to countries where malaria is endemic. However, locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases can occur. The last time was in 2003 in Palm Beach County, FL.

Sarasota Mosquito Control is doing what it can to eliminate the mosquitoes who may be carrying the malaria, but it takes time. After the parasite that causes malaria is in a person’s system, it has to incubate before it can be transmitted out. This makes finding the mosquitoes a challenge that isn’t quickly fixed, but they say you shouldn’t worry. They point out only three mosquitoes have been discovered with the malaria parasite, and using a standard mosquito repellant is as good a preventative as you can use.  

A Better Mosquito Trap

Here at Good News Pest Solutions, we are happy to say there is a far superior way. We’ve spent the past 30 years looking for effective treatments that are safe for your family and pets. We hate harsh chemicals that can often have worse side effects than the insects they prevent.

A few years ago, we introduced our No Bite Zones Mosquito Protection Program, an affordable solution that turns those biting momma mosquitoes into vegans. And it passes the variation on to their offspring. Suddenly, these annoying biters aren’t swarming around our heads and exposed skin, but instead focus on doing the pollinating work they were created for.

The paq-system is quick and simple to set up and we can bring it by your home on your next service visit. Avoid itching, scratching, and life threatening illnesses with a near perfect solution. For more details, or to schedule your delivery, just give us a call!