Mosquito Prevention: Do’s and Don’ts

A micro photo of a mosquito on a person's skin.

Summer in Vermont is a special time of year. The weather is warm during the day but nights are cool and comfortable, making it the perfect weather for many outdoor activities. While you are outside enjoying your summer barbeques, mosquitoes are also out, ruining your good time.

These uninvited party crashers don’t just leave behind their signature itchy bites; they are also known to carry a variety of diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, and malaria. As a result, preventing these pests before they can make a meal out of you is important. Knowing which mosquito prevention methods work and which methods are just old wives’ tales can help make your efforts more successful.

A Few Do’s

When trying to keep mosquitoes out of your yard it is important to know which methods are most effective. Below are proven ways to keep mosquitoes away:

  • Remove standing water: Female mosquitoes will find even the smallest pools of standing water to lay their eggs. Make sure to empty any water out of buckets, kid toys, flowerpots, and those old tires you have stashed behind the shed. It is important to ensure your yard is water-free and inhospitable to these small flying bloodsuckers. 
  • Add mosquito netting to your doors/windows: Nothing is better than a nice summer breeze going through your home, but an open window is an invitation for mosquitoes or any other pests to enter. To keep these unwanted guests out of your home and away from your family, install mosquito netting or screens on any doors or windows you want to leave open. It will block any pests from entering your home while you enjoy the fresh summer air.
  • Add natural predators to your pond: Ponds are the perfect nursery for mosquito larvae. The best way to keep mosquitoes from multiplying in your pond is by adding natural predators. Animals like fish, tadpoles, and turtles enjoy snacking on mosquito larvae which will help keep the mosquito population in check. You can also create a welcoming habitat around your pond for mosquito hunters like birds and dragonflies.

A Few Don’ts

Battling mosquitoes in your yard can be frustrating. Don’t waste your money and add to your frustration by using the following ineffective methods of mosquito control! 

  • Bug zappers: While bug zappers can be extremely effective at eliminating many insects around your patio, they are ineffective when it comes to controlling mosquitos. Bug zappers work by emitting a light that attracts insects and then “zapping” them. Unlike many insects, mosquitoes are not attracted to light but are attracted to the carbon dioxide people exhale. These zappers can actually make your mosquito problems worse by killing insects that would normally eat mosquitoes for dinner.
  • Citronella candles: One of the most popular mosquito prevention methods is lighting a citronella candle. Citronella candles may have some effectiveness in keeping mosquitoes at bay but their range of protection is limited. They do not provide a long-term solution as they are only effective when lit. Instead of running to the store to grab citronella candles for your barbeque, consider using a proven mosquito repellant like those with DEET or picaridin. 

Professional Pest Control

Sometimes despite your best efforts, mosquitoes can win the battle over your yard. Undoubtedly, when you are ready to win the war against mosquitoes, contact the professionals at Vermont Pest Control. Our skilled technicians will help eliminate your mosquito problem and provide prevention tips for the ongoing season. With trusted help, you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about these annoying pests. Contact us today for a free quote and more information on our mosquito extermination services.

How Extreme Weather Can Attract Pests

Umbrella in heavy rain

Vermont is known for its long rainy season, but gray clouds aren’t the only thing we have to worry about. From flooding in the spring to heat waves in the summer, extreme weather conditions impact hundreds of homeowners and businesses each year.

Rapid weather changes can have a lot of serious consequences on your property and local environment, but there’s one problem that a lot of people overlook: increased pest activity. Sudden shifts in the climate can influence the populations and behaviors of local insects and critters, which could leave your property even more vulnerable to infestations after a storm.

How Does Weather Affect Pests?

Disruptions to normal weather patterns can significantly change pest activity. However, each species will react differently depending on how their environment changes. To understand the relationship between extreme weather and pests, let’s take a look at the main factors that can alter pest behavior:

Sudden Temperature Shifts

From life cycle to nesting habits, a lot of pest activity is closely linked to temperature. Some critters, such as insects, are also ectothermic and completely rely on their environment for warmth. For this reason, severe weather conditions that result in sharp temperature changes can cause a variety of problems such as:

  • Decrease in pest populations: Many insects, such as bumblebees, will die in freezing temperatures. Though cold weather can help reduce the presence of unwanted pests, including mosquitoes and wasps, it can also wreak havoc on the local environment by killing off beneficial species. 
  • Increased risk of infestations: Any major turn in the weather could cause pests to seek shelter and comfort… which may lead them right into your home. A cold AC fan or warm fireplace offers relief from severe temperatures, which is why so many people notice rodent or insect infestations shortly after a storm or heat wave.
  • Growth in pest populations: Mosquitoes, termites, wasps, and other cold-blooded insects thrive in hot weather. A longer and warmer summer could even extend the breeding season for some pests, which will lead to a steady increase in their populations. 
  • Heightened aggression: Extreme heat dries up the environment, which makes pests more desperate for water. In their desperation, some species – such as yellowjackets or wasps – may become more active and aggressive toward humans. 

Heavy Rains or Flooding

Flooding is one of the most common extreme weather events here in Vermont. Since flood waters can significantly alter the landscape, a serious storm could cause a sharp increase in pest activity by:

  • Destroying nests or burrows: Heavy rains and flooding may wash away nests and burrows, causing displaced pests to seek shelter elsewhere. In their search for safety, they may wander indoors, leading to more infestations. 
  • Providing a place for some pests to thrive: Many insects in our area thrive in damp environments, and even require water to breed. Pools of stagnant water left over from a flood can serve as the perfect environment for pests such as mosquitoes and flies to feed and breed, which may lead to a significant increase in their populations.

Droughts

Particularly since our environment is frequently rainy and damp, a drought can have a severe impact on local pest populations. Many will die off without access to water, and those that survive will likely search for moisture wherever possible. Insects and rodents may be attracted to lawn sprinklers, leaky pipes, and anywhere else that they can find a drop of water. They also may become more aggressive as they grow increasingly desperate for moisture.

Preventing Infestations After Extreme Weather

Between property damage and health risks, pests can be a major problem. Though extreme weather conditions can increase your likelihood of experiencing an infestation, there are a few steps you can take to keep pests out: 

  • Seal up cracks and gaps leading to your home
  • Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and other moisture issues
  • Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs
  • Properly dispose of trash in lidded bins
  • Get professional pest control

Notice signs of pests on your property? Want to ensure your home or business is weathertight and protected all year long? The experts at Vermont Pest Control can help! Since 1991, we have been a local leader in eco-conscious, effective, and long-term pest management. Our technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable of the latest pest control techniques, so we can provide you with custom solutions that are centered around your needs. To learn more or get started, give us a call for your free quote!

Dealing with Common Late Summer Pests

An American dog tick

While what we refer to as “pest season” ends in the middle of summer, this doesn’t mean that the late summer season is free of pests entirely. In fact, there are several kinds of pests that thrive in these conditions in Vermont. Preventing these pests for the rest of the summer means making regular efforts to ensure that your property is in inviting them in. To learn about late summer pests and the prevention techniques that our technicians at Vermont Pest Control recommend you use against them, read on!

Pests to Look Out For in Late Summer

Several kinds of critters to just find in the heat and relative aridity of the late summer. These are the pests that we are most often called to deal with in August and September:

  • Ticks: These parasitic arachnids lurk in large numbers in the forests of Vermont. Because they breed in the late spring and early summer, tick numbers are at their highest right about now.
  • Wildlife: If an animal hibernates during the winter, it means that they will be out and about all summer, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. Raccoons, possums, and squirrels commonly cause property damage in the late summer.
  • Bees and wasps: If you host regular outdoor get-togethers or have a habit of leaving food out, you can easily attract bees and wasps, or even incentivize them to build a nearby nest.
  • Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a tricky pest to deal with because if you don’t prevent their ability to breed, they can stick around in large numbers through the summer and into the fall.

How Can I Prevent Pests in Late Summer?

While we encourage all of our customers to lead with natural, DIY pest prevention, it is important to know that any serious pest infestation should be addressed by a licensed exterminator right away. That said, we advise you to add these measures to your routines to keep late summer pests away:

  1. Seal gaps shut: You could have tiny gaps or cracks in your fencing, roofing, siding, foundation, windows, or doors that you’ve never paid close attention to. These holes could be used as pest entryways, so seal what you can with a silicone-based caulk and install screens where needed.
  2. Be cautious with garbage: Taking out the trash frequently and using sealable outdoor bins will go a long way in preventing bees, wasps, wildlife, and other pests.
  3. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes will breed in even the tiniest of standing water pools, so you have to cover or pour it out wherever you find it on your property. Be sure to double-check gutters, planter boxes, and other receptacles.
  4. Do regular yard maintenance: Get rid of grass clippings and leaf piles promptly, trim your trees and shrubs back, and take regular decluttering sweeps to prevent pests from finding hiding places.

Late Summer Pest Control in Vermont

Sometimes you discover a pest infestation before you have the time to do anything about it. If you’re dealing with an outbreak of any kind of pests that’s getting out of hand, let your local pest control company know. Our licensed and certified technicians at Vermont Pest Control can assess your property for the cause of the infestation, quickly handle the pest problem, and teach you how to prevent similar ones going forward. For a free quote, contact us today!

Mosquito Prevention: 4 Signals You Give Off to Mosquitoes

What mosquitoes look like in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

It might seem impossible to avoid mosquitoes once spring and summer roll around, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Mosquitoes are one-track-minded. They operate by taking heed of a few select signals to find hosts to feed on and continue their reproductive cycle. Looking to learn how to disrupt their search and save yourself from mosquito bites? Read on to learn from the mosquito extermination team at Vermont Pest Control!

4 Signals Mosquitoes Look For

It’s hard to predict exactly who mosquitoes will be attracted to, but we have identified signals that they use to find hosts. These are the 4 signs that mosquitoes use when looking to feed:

  1. Breath: When humans exhale, we release carbon dioxide into the air. Mosquitoes have special organs that are focused on finding carbon dioxide imbalances. This allows them to pick up on our scent when we’re close by.
  2. Body odor: The more you perspire, the higher your chances of attracting mosquitoes are. Floral perfumes can also tip off mosquitoes by way of a novel and attractive scent. This is because mosquitoes primarily feed on nectar.
  3. Body temperature: High internal body temperature can attract mosquitoes. Exercising around mosquito hotspots will surely result in some attempted bites.
  4. Color: It has been proven that mosquitoes seek out light with longer wavelengths after smelling CO2. Regardless of pigmentation, human skin gives off these desirable wavelengths.

Preventing Mosquitoes from Biting

It might feel like you can’t avoid giving off the signals that attract mosquitoes, but there are some ways to lessen your chances of bites. You can limit your exposure to mosquitoes in these ways:

  • Get rid of standing water: Mosquitoes use standing water pools as breeding grounds because they lay their eggs on the surface of still water. Pour out standing water if you find it in your gutters, planters, buckets, tarps, or elsewhere.
  • Wear the right clothing: Dark colors can trap heat and raise your body temperature and short sleeves can leave exposed skin that makes it easier for mosquitoes to sense and bite you. Long sleeves and light colors are helpful when trying to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Use insect repellent: EPA-registered products containing DEET or picaridin can help keep mosquitoes away for hours at a time. For all-natural alternatives, try citronella candles or make a diluted lemon-eucalyptus oil spray.

Mosquito Abatement Professionals in Vermont

If you think you’re taking all of the necessary precautions and you’re still experiencing countless mosquito bites, you might have a mosquito infestation. In this case, call up your local pest control company. Our mosquito exterminators at Vermont Pest Control can assess your yard to find vulnerabilities and set up a barrier system that keeps mosquitoes away for months. Learn more about our services and receive a free quote by contacting us today!

April Rain Attracts Spring Pests

A tick in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is a frustrating practice year-round here in Vermont, especially in spring. There are many reasons for spring’s infamy as a pest-ridden reason, but one of the most major of these is the amount of rainfall. The rain creates favorable conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive amongst the blooming plant growth that we see in this season. It’s important to know how to get ahead of them. Let the expert exterminators at Vermont Pest Control help out!

What Pests Love Spring Rain?

A rainy spring allows for many kinds of pests around Vermont to thrive. There are a few in particular that you should be watching out for this spring:

  1. Fleas and ticks: These parasitic pests survive by hiding out in dense plant growth, waiting for animals to walk by that they can latch onto. A rainy spring means more hiding places.
  2. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water pools, from sources as big as ponds to as small as puddles. With more opportunities to proliferate, mosquitoes thrive after a rainy spring.
  3. Fire ants: Soil softens after a rainy spring, making it easy for fire ants and other subterranean ants to expand their colonies.
  4. Beetles: Lots of rainfall in spring means our gardens will flourish, but it also gives beetles easy access to plentiful food.
  5. Termites: Sometimes called rain flies, winged termite swarmers come out after a rain to take advantage of damaged wood.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pests During a Rainy Spring?

A rainy spring won’t only make your yard a pest hotspot, it could also lead to pest problems inside your home. We recommend adding these measures to your cleaning routines to prevent pest infestations this spring:

  • Seal any cracks and gaps: Fill in any gaps you find around your doors and windows with weather stripping or screens, whichever you see fit. Cracks in the exterior of your house in walls, roofing, foundation, or otherwise can be filled with a silicone-based caulk.
  • Ensure your gutters are clear: Leaves and other natural debris can build up in your gutters. This can either lead to overflows or perfect standing water sources for mosquitoes to breed in.
  • Prevent standing water from pooling up: Anywhere that standing water pools, pests will come, and this includes the interior of your home. Wipe up any water spills in the kitchen or bathroom promptly.

How Vermont Pest Control Can Help This Spring

If you feel that pest problems are inevitable every spring, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our team at Vermont Pest Control is well versed in our local pest issues. We can assess your property for vulnerabilities, exterminate active pests, and teach you how to avoid your recurring pest problems going forward. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free estimate!

Are Mosquitoes Active in the Winter?

Mosquito in Vermont winter - Vermont Pest Control

In Vermont, our cold winters leave little room for pest activity. There is one pest in particular, however, that is known to linger around—even in the heart of winter. That pest is none other than the mosquito! In general, mosquitoes will disappear when the temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In our region, that comes pretty early in the fall. Mosquitoes we see in the winter are typically female mosquitoes, who are in a state of hibernation known as diapause.

Here at Vermont Pest Control, we know how frustrating mosquitoes can be in our region year-round. Read on to learn more about winter mosquito activity, and whether you should be worried about bites this time of year.

Do Mosquitoes Survive in the Winter?

In spring and summertime, mosquitoes are just a given when you spend time outdoors. This is due to the fact that mosquitoes prefer temperatures in the 80s or more. Needless to say, it can be rather startling to come across these pests in the wintertime. Most male mosquitoes will die off when, as mentioned previously, temperatures begin to dip. Even when it begins to get colder, however, female mosquitoes can go into a state similar to hibernation called diapause. In Vermont, the only mosquitoes you’ll likely see in the winter are the ones in this state—meaning you don’t have to worry about being bitten this time of year!

How to Prevent Mosquitoes in the Coming Months

With mosquitoes not active right now, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan ahead and prevent the hoards that will be around in just a few months. Some of the best mosquito prevention tactics you can do yourself in the next couple of months include the following.

  1. Look for mosquitoes in diapause. Female mosquitoes may look to wait out the winter in your backyard if she lays her eggs nearby. Make sure to inspect your yard and get rid of debris, old tires, or tree trunks that could harbor these insects.
  2. Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, even before wintertime. Remove, overturn, or cover any tires, buckets, bird baths, flower pots, and other things that contain standing water.
  3. Cut back grass and vegetation. Keep your grass mowed and take proper care of your yard to avoid mosquitoes harboring in dense brush.
  4. Try out natural mosquito repellents. While not always effective, planting rosemary, mint, and lavender in your garden could make for a natural mosquito repellent.
  5. Get in touch with your local experts. Your best chance of not dealing with mosquitoes year-round is by teaming up with an expert. Professional-grade repellents can help keep mosquitoes away for good!

Vermont Mosquito Control Experts

No matter what time of the year it is, the team at Vermont Pest Control is committed to keeping you safe from all types of pests, especially mosquitoes. We will work with you to implement the best mosquito treatments to keep you and your family mosquito-free. Contact us today to get started!

Get Ready for Increased Fall-Winter Pest Activity

A rat inside a home in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Vermont is perhaps most famous for its seasonality. Our dense and healthy forests give way to winter in the most vibrant exhibition of autumn colors in the country. While our state’s flora is a sight to behold, it also creates a perfect environment for all sorts of fauna to thrive.

If you’re looking to learn the best ways to protect your home from pest problems this fall and winter, read on. We’ve put together some information and advice from our technicians at Vermont Pest Control!

Pests in Vermont in Fall and Winter

Unique weather conditions that we experienced over the summer are resulting in an altered pest environment this fall. With a mixture of higher average temperatures and earlier consistent rain, we’ve seen elevated tick and mosquito activity. Both of these blood-drawing pests are most at home in warm and wet conditions. This year’s weather has allowed them to sustain their breeding populations for longer than usual.

However, in the winter to come, rodents are going to take over as the most prominent pests in the state. Early rain is indicative of earlier snowfall, which will force rats and mice to look for warmer shelters to take refuge in. We have removed many rodents from our customers’ crawl spaces, walls, and attics.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released it’s biannual bug barometer—

2021 Bug Barometer - Vermont Pest Control

Preventing Pests in the Cold Seasons

When the highs stop breaching 50 degrees, and even more so when snow starts to fall consistently, we have to change the way we think about pest prevention to account for active pests. These are our three main pointers for conducting your own pest control this fall and winter:

  1. Make sure your home is intact. Look around the exterior of your home for cracks in the walls and foundation, broken roof tiles, vents, and plumbing fixtures, or gaps around your doors and windows. Rats and mice can squeeze through smaller holes than you would imagine.
  2. Keep your yard maintained. Piles of yard waste should be cleared out often and your grass could be cut short to keep potential pest hiding places minimized. Storing your firewood outside and off of the ground will help you reduce the risk of an infestation.
  3. Be careful with trash and food. Take your trash out often and use sealable bins. Also, be sure to seal your food in airtight containers and wash dishes promptly after eating.

Vermont Pest Control’s Fall and Winter Services

Whether you need extra help getting ready to protect your home against rodents this winter or are dealing with bugs in your yard currently, you can count on your local pest control company to take over. At Vermont Pest Control, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to pest removal—a complete property inspection, followed by safe and efficient extermination or removal services, capped off with preventative maintenance work to keep your home pest-free* going forward. Contact us today for a free quote on pest control services!

What Time Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

Mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk in Atlanta GA - Florida Pest Control

Nationwide, mosquitoes are associated with the spring and summertime. These infamous pests begin to become active as soon as the average temperature gets to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit regularly. When temperatures dip back down below that, the mosquitoes will go dormant. This means that in our region, mosquitoes are a summertime pest problem. You can expect to deal with mosquitoes at dawn or dusk in the summer months. However, you don’t have to deal with their bites! By knowing about when and where mosquitoes are most active in your area, you can better protect yourself from their bites. Read on to learn more with the mosquito experts at Vermont Pest Control.

Mosquitoes At Night vs. Morning

In the heat of the day, mosquitoes typically prefer to hide in the shade to avoid getting dehydrated. Their aversion to the sun is why these pests are most active during the morning hours and at dusk when the sun is at its lowest and the temperature is cooler. Because of their preference for shady areas, mosquitoes frequent shaded woods, wetlands, marshes, and ponds throughout the daytime. If you are spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk, it’s important to stay vigilant about preventing their bites. A natural way to stay safe from mosquitoes is to plan your outdoor activities in the middle of the day.

How to Prevent Mosquito Activity in Vermont

Compared to most of the nation, Vermont is blessed with a shorter mosquito season. Their activity begins in the late spring months, but these pests aren’t at full force until the middle of the summer. During this time, here’s how to keep yourself safe from mosquito activity: 

  1. If at all possible, avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active!
  2. When you do go outdoors in the summer, make sure to wear loose, light-colored clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin protected.
  3. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET. Before using on children, make sure to consult your pediatrician.
  4. To prevent mosquitoes in your yard, cover or remove standing water, maintain your yard, and install fans to get the air moving and repel weak-flying mosquitoes.

How to Get Rid of Active Mosquitoes in Your Yard

If you are noticing an increase in mosquito activity in your property, it’s best to consult your local mosquito exterminators. At Vermont Pest Control, we can implement tactics to make your yard less conducive to mosquito breeding in the first place, keeping you safe from mosquito activity all summer long. Contact us today to get started!

Here’s How to Prevent Mosquitoes This Summer

Here's how to prevent mosquitoes in your Vermont property this summer - Vermont Pest Control

What is better than summertime in Vermont? Beautiful weather encourages everyone to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes love the summertime as much as you do. With mosquito season gearing up, now is the time to learn how to prevent mosquitoes in your yard. These pesky insects aren’t just a nuisance–they can be dangerous, too. The team at Vermont Pest Control knows how frustrating mosquitoes can be, which is why we are providing you with our best tips to prevent mosquitoes this summer. Read on to learn more!

Prevent Mosquitoes in 5 Steps

Mosquitoes are picky when it comes to choosing a place to breed and inhabit. By reducing the things around your yard that may attract mosquitoes, you can potentially avoid an infestation. Our best tips to prevent mosquitoes are:

  1. Maintain your yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  2. Eliminate all standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  3. Install screens on windows and doors. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  4. Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  5. Use fans in your outdoor spaces. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

We all know that mosquitoes tend to go after certain individuals. Even if you’re not prone to getting bitten, it’s important to take precautions regardless. Try to avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitoes are most active. When you do go outdoors, wear long-sleeved pants and shirts. It’s also smart to wear light-colored clothing. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, consider applying insect repellent that contains DEET. If you plan on using it on your children, always consult your pediatrician before application.

Mosquito Control in Vermont

Whether you have an upcoming outdoor event or a family barbecue, it’s smart to prepare for mosquitoes to make an appearance. By getting rid of the things that attract mosquitoes, you can keep your family safe. If you need more info on mosquito prevention, give us a call today!

Is Coronavirus Transmitted by Mosquitoes or Ticks?

Mosquitoes do not transmit coronavirus. Vermont Pest Control

Mosquitoes and ticks play a role in the transmission of many global diseases, but to date, coronavirus is not one of them. Here at Vermont Pest Control, we know how distressing things are during these uncertain times. New information about COVID-19 is being released every hour, and our team is closely monitoring the situation. As always, our focus continues to be the safety and health of our communities in Vermont. For that reason, we’re here to dispel the myth that mosquitoes and ticks spread coronavirus. They are responsible for transmitting many vector-borne diseases, which are not spread from person to person as COVID-19 is. Using information from the CDC, we’ve compiled the facts into this new blog post. Keep reading to learn more!

Coronavirus vs. Mosquito & Tick-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases are unlike COVID-19 mainly in the fact that they do not spread from person to person. It’s important to know how this virus is reported to spread:

  • Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is spread from person to person. Vector-borne diseases are not.
  • Research has shown that this virus spreads from droplets from saliva or nasal discharge, often generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. This virus can also be spread when contact is made with contaminated surfaces.
  • Avoiding exposure with infected persons is the best way to prevent this virus. It is very contagious, which is not the case with vector-borne diseases.

Worldwide Vector-Borne Diseases

They may not transmit coronavirus, but mosquitoes and ticks historically transmit some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. These two insects are vectors. Vector-borne diseases are different than coronavirus in several ways. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors”. These dangerous diseases include:

  1. Mosquitoes are infamous for transmitting malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more.
  2. Lyme disease, currently the most common vector-borne disease in the nation, is transmitted by ticks.

Vermont Pest Control is Here For You!

Mosquitoes and ticks do not transmit coronavirus, but they are certainly dangerous. During these uncertain times, we know that pests are still a problem for residents throughout Vermont. Our team is continuing to provide essential pest control services right now and all year long for the safety of our people and communities.

As the COVID-19 situation unfolds, we encourage our customers to seek more information and follow guidelines released by the WHO, CDC, as well as your state and local public health agencies.