Mosquitos can be an exceptionally annoying pest to people and animals, but a bigger concern than that is the diseases that some of them carry. Malaria is one of the deadliest of the mosquito-borne diseases, with children under five years old in Sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected. In the continental United States, people are at risk of contracting West Nile virus and various types of encephalitis, with outbreaks of Dengue fever and Zika virus having been reported in the United States and/ or territories. Hot and humid regions tend to be worse affected by mosquitos, as these are the ideal conditions for their reproduction. Especially for those who live in regions that experience a hot and humid climate, mosquito repellent systems are essential, and there are various options, from topical applications to electric systems and modern strategies like an outdoor mosquito mister. Many traditional mosquito repellent strategies use chemicals that can harm people, animals, and the environment. This article will explore why eco-friendly systems are the ideal choice for keeping families safe while minimizing the potentially harmful effects of traditional mosquito repellents.
Risks of mosquito-borne diseases:
While their occurrence varies in different parts of the world and can be affected by local changes in climate and human migration and travel, mosquito-borne diseases can have severe consequences and can be fatal in some cases. In fact, mosquitos are the animals responsible for the most human deaths per year, making prevention extremely important. These are some of the diseases that mosquito bites can contract:
West Nile Virus: This is the most common mosquito-borne virus in North America, and can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, nausea, headaches, backache and a rash.
Dengue fever: Dengue fever is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, though the CDCÂ reported elevated risk in the United States in 2024. The virus presents with severe flu-like symptoms, muscle fatigue and ache, and headaches, and can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage in severe cases. Â
Zika virus: Widescale outbreaks of Zika virus were reported in many regions in the world in 2015-2016, causing fear and apprehension about worldwide travel. In most people, symptoms of the Zika virus do not present or are very mild and include rash, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain. However, if contracted by a pregnant woman, Zika can cause severe congenital malformations in the child.
Malaria: Malaria has been a significant concern for the World Health Organization for decades, as its cases remain in the millions per year. Only certain types of mosquitos carry malaria, however if contracted it can be nasty. Although these mosquitos are specific to particular regions, they are a concen globally.
An eco-friendly, effective approach: Why you should invest in a mosquito mister
A mosquito mister is an automated system installed in gardens and disperses a fine mist of insecticide in areas affected by mosquitos. These systems are ideal for homes in high-risk areas with a high prevalence of mosquitos (usually hot and humid regions). They are ideal for families with children and pets as they can minimize the application of topical repellents like sprays and creams. This strategy is even better when it uses an eco-friendly mosquito mister concentrate, ensuring that all family members, including pets, and the environment are unaffected by harmful chemicals.
Main benefits of misting systems:
Consistent protection: Many modern systems can be remotely controlled and programmed to release mist at optimal times when mosquitos are most active. This feature can help families get immediate relief and protection and can also help manage mosquito populations in general.
Targeted spraying: When installing their misting systems, users can ensure they are targeted to spray in areas where protection is most needed. This flexibility allows users to protect their family wherever they enjoy spending time.
Eco-friendliness: When used with eco-friendly mosquito mister concentrate, users can experience effective mosquito relief without harming the environment or exposing themselves and their families to harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly features to look for are biodegradable ingredients, making the substance safe for use around people, animals, and plants, and concentrates that are non-toxic to beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.