Essential Things to Know About the West Nile Virus in Westchester County, NY

Based in New Rochelle an serving Westchester County, Mosquito Corp offers specialized programs designed to reduce and manage mosquito populations in residential, commercial, and public areas to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.  You can reach us at 914.222.4154 to schedule a no-cost consultation.

West Nile Virus in Westchester County, NY

  1. Overview:
    • West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious illness in humans, including fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). It was first identified in the United States in 1999 and has since spread across the country.
  2. Transmission:
    • WNV is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, particularly the Culex species. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which serve as the primary reservoir for the virus. Humans and other mammals are considered “dead-end” hosts, meaning they do not spread the virus further.
  3. Symptoms:
    • Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About 20% may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop severe neurological symptoms, including high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.
  4. Risk and Prevention:
    • The risk of WNV is higher during mosquito season, typically from late spring through early fall. Preventative measures include using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, installing window and door screens, and reducing mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water around homes.
  5. Treatment:
    • There is no specific antiviral treatment for WNV. Mild cases usually resolve on their own, while severe cases may require hospitalization, supportive care, and management of neurological symptoms. Prevention through mosquito control and personal protection is the most effective way to avoid infection.

Mosquito Control Services in Westchester County, NY

    • Mosquito control by services by Mosquito Corp will effectively reduce the population of mosquitoes in a given area to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus. Our services are especially important in regions with high mosquito activity and during peak mosquito season.
  2. Methods:
    • Larvicide Application: Targeting mosquito larvae in their breeding sites, such as standing water, is a key strategy. Larvicides prevent larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes.
    • Adulticide Application: This involves spraying insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes, often during the evening or early morning when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Biological Control: Natural predators like fish or bacteria that consume mosquito larvae can be introduced to water bodies to help control mosquito populations.
    • Source Reduction: This method focuses on eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as in clogged gutters, bird baths, and old tires. It is one of the most effective long-term strategies for mosquito control.

Our mosquito control services involve a combination of methods, including the application of larvicides to kill mosquito larvae in standing water, spraying adulticides to reduce adult mosquito populations. Contact Mosquito Corp today to learn more about our mosquito treatment methods in Westchester County, NY. You can reach us at 914.222.4154 to schedule a no-cost consultation.  You can click the following link to view our 5-star online reviews.