Mosquitos and the Zika Virus

Mosquitoes aren’t just pesky pests that love the humid climate, standing water and storm surges of North Carolina and South Carolina. Their bloodsucking bites present a danger that includes Zika virus.

This article provides useful information about the mosquito Zika virus, how to protect yourself and what to do if you’ve travelled to a Zika-risk area.

If you’re concerned about mosquitoes at your property, Gregory Pest Solutions offer smart mosquito control services to protect your home and your business, so you can enjoy pool parties, cook outs and work days without worry.

What Is the Mosquito Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a “flavivirus” that is carried and transmitted to humans by zika-infected mosquitos when they bite. It can also be transmitted by zika-infected humans through sex or blood transfusions.

How You Catch Zika from Mosquitoes

You catch the Zika virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. The process begins when a mosquito bites a person already infected with Zika. That mosquito is then a carrier and transmits the virus to the next person it bites.

Once a person has been bitten by a zika-infected mosquito, they can then spread the virus to others  by sexual contact, blood transfusions, or from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

What Mosquito Carries the Zika Virus?

The virus is mainly transmitted by an infected Aedes species mosquito, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. They usually bite during the day but can bite at night.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Zika Virus

 CDC list the symptoms of Zika Virus as:

• Fever
• Rash
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Red eyes
• Muscle pain

If in doubt, contact a medical professional.

No symptoms: 4 out of 5 people infected with mosquito Zika virus are asymptomatic. This means that they show no symptoms: their immune system handles it quietly, so they’ll never know they have it. 

Mild, short-lived symptoms: For the 1 in 5 people who do get sick, their symptoms are usually mild—typically a low-grade fever, a rash, joint pain, or red eyes. These symptoms generally last between 2 to 7 days. Because it behaves a lot like a mild flu or cold for most adults, hospitalization isn’t normally necessary. Treatment usually just involves rest, fluids, and acetaminophen. 

Serious symptoms: Complications are rare, but can include Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalopathy, myelitis, uveitis, and thrombocytopenia. Fatalities can occur, but those cases are extremely rare.

If you contract the virus while pregnant, you could transmit it to your unborn child which could result in serious birth defects of the eyes and brain.

Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

How to Protect Yourself with Zika Mosquito Repellent and Prevention

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to: 

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents
• Use DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin if you are an avid hiker, camper, or outdoor worker as your risk is increased
• Keep doors shut and repair window and door screens

Get on with your life with peace of mind: protect your family and your space with professional mosquito control from Gregory Pest Solutions.

Personal Protection Against a Zika Mosquito Bite

According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals returning to the U.S. from Zika-risk areas should take preventative precautions, even if they don’t feel sick. The CDC recommends that females use condoms or abstain from sex for at least 2 months, and males for at least 3 months, because the Zika virus can persist longer in semen than in other bodily fluids.

Eradicating Breeding Sites Around Your Property

Take these steps to reduce mosquitos in your yard:

• Drain any standing water as mosquitoes can lay their eggs in just a half-inch of water
• Empty water from any buckets, plant saucers, bins, toys, and tarps
• Clear clogged gutters and drains so water flows freely
• Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week
• Cover rain barrels with tight mesh lids
• Trim dense vegetation and keep grass short to reduce resting spots
• Fill low areas where water may pool
• Repair leaks in outdoor faucets and pipes
• Use mosquito dunks or introduce larvae-eating fish to ponds
• Dispose of old tyres and containers
• Use mesh screens over windows and doors
• Fill in any gaps and cracks to prevent entry to your building

Gregory Mosquito Control Services

Gregory Pest Solutions are experts in mosquito control for North Carolina and South Carolina. For over 50 years, we have been eliminating and repelling mosquitos for residents and businesses.

Residential Mosquito Treatment

At Gregory Pest Solutions, we want you to live your life buzz-free. So we use our extensive experience to craft customised residential mosquito control plans, with year-round extermination and prevention services to deter them from coming back.

Commercial Mosquito Treatment

Gregory Pest Solutions offers fast, effective commercial mosquito control, for businesses across the Carolinas. Our professional-grade treatments are designed by experts to protect your employees, customers and suppliers, and to protect your brand, so you can be open and be customer-ready at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquitoes and Zika