Mosquito

Mosquitoes in Puerto Rico

Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the most dangerous insects in the world. They are very common in Puerto Rico, making it important to know how to keep them away. They are an annoyance because of the itchy bites they leave, however, they also transmit many important diseases, like malaria, West Nile and Zika Virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites result in the deaths of more than 1 million people every year, with the majority of these deaths due to malaria. There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes found throughout the nation, but thankfully only a few mosquito species are capable of transmitting disease.

Mosquito Habitat

The mosquito habitat ranges from deserts at or below sea level to mountain meadows with elevations of 10,000 feet or higher. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, so they are commonly found around marshes and lakes. However, needing only a half-inch of standing water to breed, mosquitoes are often found around homes, in kiddie pools, metal buckets, flower pots, and any object that collects rainwater or excess water from irrigation systems. For this reason, it’s very important for residents to regularly check their property for containers that could be collecting water, which is a huge attractant to mosquitoes to breed.

Mosquito Behaviors, Threats & Dangers

Most mosquito species require a blood meal before they can reproduce a batch of eggs. Many people and animals are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects except the typical itchy welt. And, while a large number of mosquito bites can reduce the quality of life, the diseases these insects can transmit can be serious. Most people infected with mosquito-transmitted viruses show no symptoms or only mild, flu-like symptoms that may not result in a visit to the doctor. However, severe symptoms following infection occur in a small percentage of people. Mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting heartworm in dogs.

Mosquitoes can be dangerous, which is why it’s so important to contact a mosquito exterminator for exclusion and control services to protect your San Juan property.