The COVID-19 virus has turned the world upside down. As of mid-April 2021, nearly three million deaths have been attributed to it worldwide. With infected cases nearing 138 million, it’s truly a global catastrophe that’s weighing heavily on the planet. Put the economic results in the mix, and you know there may not be a more challenging time. And to think it was not until about a year ago at the start of 2020 that the virus came into America’s radar.  

As shocking as the virus is, one animal has been methodically killing us, humans, for years now. So much, people call it the #1 killer animal on the planet. It may not be as aggressive as COVID-19 in spreading. But you’re going to be surprised to know how many lives it claims every year. Worse, it could be in your backyard as we speak. Yes, we’re talking about mosquitoes. Dubbed the most deadly animal on the planet, mosquitoes are a menace you need to deal with head-on. 

The good news is mosquitoes are not impossible to control. To boot, they’re not as invisible as the virus. Secondly, there are proven ways to contain them. 

The Flying Monster

You call an animal a monster if it can do as it pleases without any heavy repercussions. Over time, we’ve filled our children’s stories of how giants, ogres, witches are a danger to humans — as fearsome as they seem. But in reality, the true monsters are those that negatively affect humans with wanton abandon. And though it contains other humans who have done harm to their fellow men, mosquitoes sit at the top of that list. 

The insect is truly meager, as insignificant as it may seem. It’s also a nuisance that tests your temper, biting you and leaving you with an itchy welt. But it’s more than just that; it’s a killer. Statistics show mosquitoes kill as many as 1,000,000 humans every year worldwide. 

While that may surprise you, take note that the diminutive flying pest can host tons of diseases. Some of these are: 

• Dengue
• Malaria
• Zika
• Yellow Fever
• Lymphatic filariasis
• West Nile

And the key to the pest’s success is location. To note, about 40% of the world’s population, estimated to be 3 billion, are living in areas that are prone to dengue. Some states in the U.S. for one, those in the hotter climates, are in danger of the Aedes mosquito. Aedes Aegypti or Aedes is the primary carrier mosquito of dengue as well as other diseases. It’s estimated over 50 to 100 million dengue infections happen yearly worldwide. 

Keeping Them in Control

Knowing your enemy is indeed the best way to conquer him. For starters, know that there are over 3,000 mosquito species worldwide. America is home to over 200 of them. 

What makes mosquitoes hard to control is they can multiply fast. A mosquito can lay 100 eggs in one sitting which simply means things could go out of hand pretty fast. A good way to start containing them, therefore, is to ensure they don’t breed in your yard. Zap their common breeding sites. Top of the list is stagnant water in your yard (e.g., small puddles, drainage, ditches). If you can’t remove the water, you can use BTI, a bacteria species that can kill mosquito larvae. 

Additionally, you can protect yourself by applying chemical mosquito repellent. While you sleep, you can use a mosquito net or the strong wind of the electric fan to discourage them from getting near. You can also mosquito-proof your house by putting screens to guard your windows. 

If things go out of hand, calling mosquito control experts should be wise. Not only do they have the experience to keep mosquitoes away, but also they have the tried-and-tested tools to make it happen. In short, they can ensure mosquitoes won’t be a threat to your family for good. 

Best of all, these professionals are eco-friendly. They can contain your mosquito problem without using harmful chemicals that harm Mother Nature. 

Killing May Not Be Best

Indeed, having mosquitoes flying and buzzing around can be truly irritating. It’s easy for you to conclude that you should just kill them right then and there. However, it’s important you don’t. 

Instead of killing them, repelling them might be a better idea. No doubt, killing these pests will sound like a tempting option. But that can be against the interest of the environment. Take note that mosquitoes can be resistant to pesticides. In short, they can become harder to kill. What’s more, using pesticides can be harmful to the environment messing up the ecosystem in the process.

Dealing with your mosquito problem right is the best way to go. It’s best for everyone, Mother Earth included.