Terminix Advises Risk of Mosquito-Borne Illness Persists into Fall
2019 brought decade’s highest reported cases of rare mosquito-borne illness EEEV
Terminix, a leading provider of termite and pest control services and a ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) company, cautions Americans living in communities impacted by mosquito-borne illnesses that, despite cooling autumn temperatures, they should remain vigilant in preventing mosquito bites that can transmit serious infections.
Mosquitoes can survive and reproduce when outdoor temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that for much of the United States, mosquitoes may remain active into autumn and even year-round. In 2019 alone, more than 30 cases of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) have been reported in states including Michigan, Connecticut and Florida – the most cases of the rare, serious illness in more than a decade, resulting in several deaths. Because the risk of mosquito bites that transmit EEEV and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile persists, homeowners should continue to take steps to help protect themselves and their families.
“As an industry leader, we believe it is important to raise awareness of simple steps families can take to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites that can transmit illness – even after summer ends,” said Matthew Stevenson, president of Terminix Residential. “Terminix provides a variety of solutions to help significantly reduce the population of mosquitoes around homes and yards, including Terminix Quick Guard® Mosquito Service.”
“It is important that homeowners take steps to help reduce their risk of mosquito bites,” said Dr. Angela Tucker, B.C.E., Terminix Manager, Technical Services. “The CDC recommends wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito repellents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Be aware of mosquito activity when traveling inside the continental United States as some areas have mosquito activity all year. If you are traveling outside the U.S., follow the CDC traveler guidelines to prevent mosquito bites.”
Homeowners can follow these simple steps to help reduce mosquito populations that can bite and transmit disease near their home:
- Keep lawns and landscape trimmed and free of debris. Mosquitoes look for shaded and undisturbed places, like overgrown landscapes, to rest. Continue proper lawn maintenance even after summer months end.
- Change water sources weekly. Mosquitoes need only a small amount of water to lay their eggs and reproduce. Empty items that hold water, such as bird baths, tire swings and dog bowls, regularly to reduce opportunities for mosquito reproduction.
- Remove sources of standing water. Items left on the lawn or near the house, such as lawn furniture, wood piles or buckets, can create harborage sites for mosquitoes. Declutter property to reduce the number of places mosquitoes can breed.
- Keep gutters clear. Maintaining the gutter system is an important step in mosquito control, as blocked gutters can hold water that allows mosquitoes to reproduce. Ensure gutters are cleared of fallen leaves and other natural debris – especially as autumn leaves begin to fall.
- Use fans in outdoor seating areas. Because mosquitoes are naturally weak fliers, they tend to avoid flying in windy conditions. Use a fan when sitting outdoors to help deter these pests.
