Many come to our piece of paradise to enjoy the trails, camping, swimming, tours, surfing, and more! We get to live the dream by calling Edisto Island home. Although many people are envious that we live in this beautiful part of South Carolina, we know it is not without its problems. One of the issues we face on the island is mosquitos.
Apex Of Edisto Pest Management exists because there is a need for pest control in Edisto Island. We help make this beautiful location truly paradise by providing the solution to the mosquito issue at your home.
Homeowner's Mosquito Identification Guide
There are over 3,000 species of mosquitos throughout the world; about 176 of those species exist in the United States. Approximately 61 types of mosquitoes live in South Carolina. Identification of mosquitos may prove difficult to the homeowner due to their small size and quick flying abilities; however, the following guide may assist you:
- Asian Tiger Mosquito: These are identifiable by the white strip down the middle of the head and the white stripes on the legs on their 1/4 inch body.
- Southern House Mosquito: These mosquitoes have a medium-sized brown body with golden scales and white stripes.
- Yellow Fever Mosquito: You can identify these pests by silvery bands on their legs and the U-shaped pattern on their abdomen and thorax.
- Gallinipper Mosquito: Prevalent following a hurricane or large storm, these mosquitoes are identified by their large bodies with yellow scales on the thorax and prominent dark scales on their hindleg segments.
Although there are other mosquitos in South Carolina, these are the mosquitoes you are most likely to encounter around your Edisto Island home.
What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?
Mosquitoes are attracted to water — particularly standing, stagnant water. This type of water is not limited to natural locations such as ponds, ravines, and large puddles; but is also in artificially-created areas. The following are common locations of stagnant water around homes:
- Discarded tires
- Drainage ditches
- Drip trays in window air conditioner units
- Playsets for children
- Saucers of potted plants
- Bird baths
To get rid of mosquitoes in the yard at your Edisto Island home, you need to eliminate standing water on your property. If possible, the eradication of standing water from up to 200 yards away from your home is the best prevention since most mosquito species do not travel more than this distance from their breeding grounds.
Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?
Mosquitos are known carriers of disease. The most well-known disease associated with these winged pests is malaria. Fortunately, the spread of malaria is rare in the United States, plus we have treatments for those infected. Although malaria is not a threat in South Carolina, mosquitos carry other dangerous diseases. Common diseases you can get from mosquitoes in the Edisto Island area include:
- West Nile Virus: The West Nile virus does not cause sickness in most people, but severe illness and death have occurred in about 1 in 150 cases.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis: This virus does not typically present symptoms, but it may produce brain inflammation in rare instances.
- La Crosse Encephalitis Virus: Most contaminated with this variant do not present symptoms. In rare cases, particularly with children under 16 years of age, the swelling of the brain has been known to occur and may lead to death or life-long complications.
- Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus: The same reactions apply to this virus as the other encephalitis viruses; however, headache, nausea, fever, and tiredness may accompany an infection. In addition to inflammation of the brain (in rare cases), some have developed meningitis — inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Although most bites from mosquitos result only in a red, itchy area, there are cases where people contract serious, life-threatening diseases.
Why You Should Choose Professional Mosquito Control
The recommended steps above will be beneficial in eliminating mosquitos from your Edisto Island home; however, they will not eradicate your mosquito problem. If you want to enjoy your piece of paradise on Edisto Island, contact us at Apex Of Edisto Pest Management. Reach out to us and let us solve your mosquito infestation problem.