Summer is here in Albany which means that most people are spending a lot of time outdoors taking advantage of the good weather; summer can also mean mosquitoes - a lot of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are commonly responsible for ending outdoor activities early and driving many summer gatherings back inside. These tiny pests can be very annoying and painful as they swarm around you and bite you leaving behind sore, itchy welts. Along with being irritating, they are potentially very dangerous because of their ability to spread serious diseases to you and your family with every bite that they take.

Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the West Nile virus; several thousand cases of the disease are reported to the CDC each year and there are probably many more cases that aren't reported. About 80% of West Nile virus infections cause the person infected to experience no symptoms at all and in about 20% of cases, the person experiences flu-like symptoms, vomiting, headache, body aches, and fever. A very small percentage, less than 1% of people acquire a severe case of the disease that causes their central nervous system to become affected, and the disease can become fatal. Along with West Nile virus, other diseases that mosquitoes spread include dengue fever, malaria, rift valley fever, yellow fever, and eastern equine encephalitis. Not all these are found in the U.S. but with the ease and affordability of travel they are still a threat to many people as they move about internationally.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne illness is to make sure that you are doing all you can to reduce the mosquito populations around your home and property. Mosquitoes are drawn to properties that have areas of standing water (ponds, pools, bird baths, wheel barrows, etc.) because this is where the female mosquitoes lay their eggs. Therefore, reducing areas of standing water should help to limit the number of mosquitoes on your property. Other ways to prevent mosquitoes include making sure that your grass is trimmed short, your gutters are free of clogs, and limiting the amount of flowering plants and landscaping on your property.

Thomas Pest Services offers mosquito control services to help you further prevent and control mosquitoes on your Albany property. Our mosquito control services include the following:

-A thorough inspection of your property to evaluate why mosquitoes are being drawn to it.
-Application of a mosquito control product to shrubbery, plants, the perimeter of your home, and around your property.

Mosquitoes are not just found on your property. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are going to be present wherever you are spending time outdoors this summer. Thomas Pest Services would like to offer some tips on how to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes.

1. Dress appropriately; when possible try to wear long pants, long sleeves, and shoes with socks. Wearing a hat will also help keep bites to a minimum.
2. Wear light colored clothing. Dark colors will attract mosquitoes to you.
3. Use a bug repellant spray.
4. Time when you are going to be outside; mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

Even though you may consider mosquitoes to just be an annoying part of summer, they are much more than just a nuisance and can spread serious diseases. However, with the help of a pest control expert, you can reduce their numbers on your property and protect yourself and family from their bites and from potential illness.

For more information about our mosquito control services in Albany, the Capital District, and Adirondack region, contact us today.