As we enter June that means barbeques, outdoor events, and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it also means mosquitoes and ticks. One question that seems to be coming up quite frequently lately is whether or not these pests can transmit COVID-19 to humans. At this time, the CDC says that they do not have any data to suggest it is spread by mosquitoes and ticks. All information available to them still indicates that COVID-19 spreads from person to person. This past April Pest World published a similar article stating something similar. The National Pest Management Association’s chief entomologist made a similar statement, “At this time, there is currently no evidence to suggest that pests like mosquitoes and ticks can be implicated in the transmission of COVID-19.” He did, however, go on to say that, these pests are able to transmit other serious diseases that include West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Although they do not transmit COVID-19, you still need to protect yourself and your family from these pests.
Do Mosquitoes and Ticks Transmit COVID-19?
Kitchens are full of food and water, just what any ant wants, which is why ants most frequently infest kitchens. Keep kitchen counters wiped down and floors swept to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills. Store open food in airtight containers and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Another area that is often overlooked, but ants love it, are sticky jars and lids such as honey, syrup, soda or other sweets.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water. Keep in mind that they don’t need much standing water to cause a problem, something as small as a bottle cap can aid in developing hundreds of mosquitoes. It is important to avoid any standing water areas around your yard. The past couple of years have been exceptionally wet, so there may be several areas around your home. Empty any containers of standing water or areas that puddle water.
- Keep grass cut low to avoid a tick infestation in your yard. Ticks love overgrown vegetation and keeping areas around fence lines, trees, swing sets, and other areas will help keep them away.
In addition to doing a little maintenance around your home, regular treatments by a professional exterminator such as Terminator Termite and Pest Control will keep your barbeques and fun in the sun pest free. Give them a call today to schedule your next pest treatment.