Pest Control is Public Health

Posted by Mosquito Squad

March 27, 2025

Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist

Pest management isn't just about getting rid of annoying bugs. Yes, some pests are just, well, pesky. But many insects, arthropods, and rodents that pest control professionals control can also spread dangerous and deadly diseases.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne illnesses aren’t only found in tropical climates. Several serious diseases are spread by mosquitoes in the U.S., including Dengue, Zika, and West Nile Virus. Even Malaria has been detected in the U.S. in recent years, making the need for mosquito control even more prevalent. Additionally, mosquitoes don’t just target people with pathogens. Dogs and cats can also be susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses like Heartworm, a parasitic disease that can cause lifelong discomfort and even death.

The risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness is always present, but thankfully, these illnesses can be prevented with prompt and effective mosquito management practices. At Mosquito Squad Plus, we ensure our technicians receive continuous training in mosquito control so we can stop mosquito populations from getting out of hand.

Ticks

Behind mosquitoes, ticks are the second most dangerous arthropod in regard to the diseases they spread. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tick-borne Encephalitis are prominent in the US, with over 500,000 cases reported annually across the three states. Some tick bites can lead to chronic and lifelong conditions, such as the contraction of alpha-gal syndrome that develops an intense allergic reaction to red meat. Other chronic symptoms can include persistent joint pain and neurological issues.

Tick control is crucial in managing emerging tick populations and surveying tick prevalence across communities. Even if tick bites are rare in your region, tick populations appear to be spreading to new areas, and ongoing, professional pest management can help stop the spread of tick diseases. At Mosquito Squad Plus, we recognize the importance of preventative, proactive pest control, and technicians are trained thoroughly on the seasonality and habitats of ticks.

Fleas

Parasitic insects are exceptionally good at spreading pathogens to their hosts. Fleas, like mosquitoes and ticks, bite people and pets to get a blood meal and nourish themselves. During this exchange, fleas can transmit bacteria like Rickettsia typhi, the disease agent that causes Murine Typhus, and Yersinia pestis, also known as the plague.

Pets are the usual victims of flea infestations, with fleas feeding on our furry friends and laying eggs in their fur. Even if flea bites don't result in transmitting a disease pathogen, pets can sometimes accidentally ingest fleas as they chew at their fur to relieve itchy flea bites. Ingestion of fleas can sometimes lead to problems of its own, most notably the contraction of tapeworms.

Your pet deserves protection from insect-driven diseases, and at Mosquito Squad Plus, we work hard to help everyone enjoy their outdoor spaces. It’s not just a matter of comfort – it’s a matter of public health.

Rodents

With the expansion of Mosquito Squad Plus and the new services we offer*, rodents are the next frontier in our pest management efforts. Rodents like mice and rats can spread many diseases, including rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious and severe respiratory illness that can be fatal. Mice are also able to carry rabies, putting the livelihood of your pets at risk amongst severe mice infestations.

Rodent infestations can be difficult to manage. Training our technicians to identify rodent evidence, inspecting homes for unwanted entry points, and providing rodent control plans tailored to each customer are just a few ways we are ready and able to help protect your home and your loved ones from rodents.