PestNetOnline
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In early May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report that included staggering new numbers that should put everyone on alert against summer pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, as summer begins.
From 2004 to 2012, vector-borne diseases – those spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas – grew rapidly, with a total of 640,000 cases reported in that time. These diseases include those spread by ticks, such as Lyme disease, and those spread by mosquitoes, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other emerging concerns, such as chikungunya. The CDC also warns that the actual number of illnesses are likely significantly higher, because “underreporting might have substantially limited the number of cases analyzed.”
The CDC reports that “epidemics characterize the mosquito-borne viruses,” pointing out surges in cases like 2016’s Zika virus spike in Puerto Rico. West Nile virus has become endemic in the U.S., and over the last several years, there have been more than 2,000 cases reported annually. The disease can range in severity: for many, it causes mild, flu-like symptoms and resolve on its own; for others, it can result in neurological damage and long-term illness.
Tick-borne disease doubled during the 13-year period analyzed. Lyme disease accounted for 82% of all reported cases, but there were also increases in other diseases spread by ticks, such as anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, and Spotted fever rickettsiosis (which includes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).
The general conclusion is that vector-borne disease is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Experts believe that climate change will continue contributing to the problem, as warmer temperatures can speed up the life cycle of vector pests and extend the seasons in which they are active. Extreme weather events can bring dramatic rain and flooding, which can create conditions rife for mosquito development, exposing anyone in impacted areas to the potential for contracting mosquito-borne disease.
For commercial operations and businesses, the presence of mosquitoes and ticks on their properties could increase the chances of people contracting vector-borne disease while on your property. Operators should be aware of these growing concerns and take steps to mitigate mosquito and tick activity on their grounds.
Some groups, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly, may be at a higher risk for contracting disease or experiencing severe symptoms. That makes taking action to reduce mosquito and tick activity even more critical for organizations that have high concentrations of these groups, such as schools, healthcare facilities, parks and recreation areas, hotels and resorts, and multifamily dwellings.
Although every property is unique, you can take the following steps to help reduce the chances of people on your property being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.
Rentokil’s 2018 Mosquito Update for Commercial Properties, available for free download, includes a host of mosquito information, including tips for reducing mosquito activity and risk, areas that may need increased attention, and specific species of concern.
Need to start mosquito and tick service with Rentokil? Call us today at 888.761.3030 and we’ll send a representative out to your property to conduct a free assessment.