Are Pests Triggering Your Allergies This Spring?
Is COVID-19 Transmitted by Mosquitoes?
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the team at Pest Defense Solutions is prioritizing the health and safety of our communities here in Albuquerque NM. New data is being released every hour about the nature of this virus, but there are still a lot of questions about who and what spreads COVID-19. We’ve seen a lot of inquiries about the possibility of mosquitoes playing a role in the spread. As of now, the CDC sites no evidence to date that suggests that mosquitoes and ticks are transmitting the coronavirus. These insects may be vectors for some of the world’s worst diseases. Thankfully, coronavirus is not one of them. Keep reading to learn more.
Infectious Diseases & Insects
There is currently no scientific evidence that mosquitoes and ticks transmit COVID-19. From what we know from the CDC, COVID-19 is likely being spread from person to person. This most likely happens from droplets from saliva or nasal discharge, often generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also be transmitted via contact with a contaminated surface and is increasingly considered to be an airborne virus. From what we know, coronavirus is best avoided by avoiding contact with infected persons. The diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks are different, making it important to learn how.
How do Mosquitoes & Ticks Spread Diseases?
Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are vectors for infectious diseases, meaning they are organisms that transmit diseases to humans through bites. Ticks and mosquitoes are infamous for their roles in the transmission of historically deadly diseases around the world. It’s important to know what diseases these two insects can cause:
- Mosquitoes transmit a number of extremely dangerous diseases, from malaria and Zika virus to West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more.
- Ticks transmit Lyme disease, which is currently the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.
- If these vector pests feed off a diseased host, they can transmit pathogens that will infect other hosts it subsequently bites. This is how humans are exposed to the diseases mentioned above.
Pest Defense Solutions is Here for You
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes transmitting COVID-19. Regardless of the pandemic, pest problems are still abound in our communities. It’s increasingly important to take caution in the presence of pests and to always enlist the help of a professional exterminator to prevent dangerous insects. Our team is proud to continue being able to provide essential pest control services during these trying times.
With information about COVID-19 changing every day, we want to encourage our customers to seek more information and follow guidelines released by the WHO and the CDC to better navigate this pandemic.
The Real Dangers of Rodent Infestations
Whether you own a home or business in the Albuquerque area, you know that rodents are a problem throughout the entire year. In addition to simply being gross, rats and mice can create a hazardous environment. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about rodents is the fact that they are capable of carrying and transmitting diseases, including hantavirus and salmonella. Because rodent problems are so common in the area all year long, it’s important to learn about the real dangers of rodents.
The Damage Rats & Mice Cause
Rats and mice can wreak havoc in your property with their nesting and chewing habits. These pests aren’t picky and can create a mess digging through your garbage. Additionally, rats have incisors that never stop growing … meaning they never stop chewing! One of the most dangerous things rats chew on are electrical wires. Needless to say, exposed wires can become a fire hazard. Additionally, rats and mice will tear up any type of material to create nests. If you have rodents in your property, you can be sure you’ll have a lot of cleanup to take care of in their wake!
Common Rodent Diseases
In New Mexico and all around the world, there are a number of serious illnesses and health risks tied back to the presence of rodents. These pathogens can be spread directly or indirectly. Mice-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through contact with droppings, saliva, and bites. They are transmitted indirectly through ticks, fleas, and mites. The main three rodent-borne diseases to be aware of include:
- Hantavirus
- Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.
- Salmonella
- When rats and mice walk over surfaces, they are tracking dirt and bacteria across other food surfaces. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.
- Rat-bite fever
- Also known as Streptobacillus, rat-bite fever is usually caused by a bite or scratch from an infected rat. It is also caught by handling infected animals and ingesting food or drink contaminated with the rat’s feces or urine.
How to Get Rid of Rodents in Albuquerque
If you notice the presence of rats or mice inside your property, it’s time to call a rodent exterminator. At Pest Defense Solutions, our mice exterminators have the experience needed to properly get rid of infestations and ensure you are protected from future rodent problems. Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your property safe from the dangers of rodents year-round.
6 Important Pests of 2020
