Mosquito Diseases That Can Spread at Businesses

Mosquito problems extend beyond the irritation from their itchy bites. In fact, they are the deadliest pest in the world. Beyond their itchy bites, mosquitoes can transmit a range of serious diseases, making them a pest that businesses cannot afford to overlook. Understanding how mosquito-borne illnesses spread, what symptoms they cause, and how they impact commercial environments is a key first step in protecting your business. The FAQs below break down what you need to know and how you can reduce risks at your facility.

What is a mosquito-borne disease?

Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can transmit bacteria, parasites and viruses.

How do mosquitoes transmit diseases?

Mosquitoes can pick up pathogens from feeding on the blood of infected people or animals. A mosquito can then inject these pathogens into the bloodstream of the next person or animal it bites. Different types of mosquitoes can transmit different diseases.

What diseases do mosquitoes carry?

Mosquitoes can spread a variety of diseases, demanding attention to help mitigate their impact:

• Malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease, is usually transmitted by the bites of female-infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Signs of Malaria are fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Note: While Malaria is still rare in the U.S., last year we recorded our first homegrown cases in 20 years in Florida, Texas and Maryland.

• West Nile Virus, the most widespread mosquito-borne disease in the United States, is a viral infection transmitted primarily by Culex mosquitoes, such as the common house and southern house mosquitoes. This disease poses a risk to humans but can also cause health issues in horses. Human symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe neurological complications.

• Zika Virus, primarily transmitted by Yellow Fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), is known for its association with birth defects and neurological complications. While many individuals experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash and joint pain, pregnant women and their unborn children are at risk of severe consequences. Fortunately, there have not been any locally acquired cases in the continental U.S. since 2017.

• Dengue Fever is a viral infection that causes a range of symptoms from mild fever to severe hemorrhagic fever. Transmitted primarily by Yellow Fever mosquitoes, this disease is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes, affects both humans and horses. Human symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe neurological issues.

• Yellow Fever, transmitted by infected Aedes or Haemagogus mosquitoes, is a viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. Symptoms vary from mild fever to jaundice and organ failure. While not endemic in the U.S., travelers returning from affected areas can bring back the disease.

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms and are concerned about any of the above diseases, reach out to your physician for further testing and evaluation.

Can you get Lyme disease from mosquitoes?

Lyme disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Mosquitoes are not significant vectors for Lyme disease transmission.

How Mosquitoes Impact Businesses

You know pests are bad, but let’s talk specifically about how mosquitoes bite into your bottom line.

1. Reputation Ruin In the age of online reviews, "I got eaten alive on the patio" is a one-star review waiting to happen. If your venue is known for swarms rather than service, customers will take their business elsewhere.

2. Employee Health & Productivity Your team can’t work efficiently if they are constantly swatting away bugs. For businesses with outdoor staff, like landscaping, construction, or logistics, mosquitoes are a distraction that lowers productivity. Plus, if an employee contracts a mosquito-borne illness on the job, you could be looking at increased absenteeism and workers' compensation claims.

3. Regulatory Compliance Health inspectors don't look kindly on pest infestations. Depending on your industry, a severe mosquito problem could be flagged as a sanitation issue, putting you at risk of fines or failed audits.

How to Prevent Mosquito Infestations in Businesses

Mosquitoes are prolific breeders. A single female can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, turning one mosquito into hundreds in under two weeks. They need standing water to breed, so if your facility has it, they will find it. Here's how you can take action to eliminate their breeding grounds:

• Audit your inventory and storage: Clear out old tires, empty drums, or unused equipment outside that collects rainwater.

• Maintain your drainage systems: Ensure roof gutters, downspouts, and storm drains are clear of debris and flowing freely to prevent stagnant pools.

• Manage the grounds: Fix leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation lines, and fill in those low spots in the parking lot or pavement where puddles like to loiter after a storm.

For more detailed information on mosquitoes and actionable tips to help control them around your business, download our free Mosquitoes 101 ebook.

Call the Best in Pests™ for Your Mosquito Protection Plan

Hiring a professional to help manage mosquitoes can relieve the burden on you and your employees. Orkin can help develop a customized mosquito control plan including comprehensive inspection, habitat modification and maintenance for your property’s needs. With our assistance, you can help reduce the mosquito population around your business and protect your customers and employees.

For well over a century, Orkin has set the standard for mosquito protection and gained specialized know-how from helping keep mosquitoes out of thousands of businesses just like yours. Contact Orkin today to sign up for a free inspection and take your business back from mosquitoes with the Best in Pests™.

More Mosquito Resources

5 Ways to Help Control Mosquitoes Around Your Business

Reducing standing water, maintaining landscaping, and removing debris are key steps to limiting mosquito breeding around commercial properties.

Mosquito 101

Mosquito activity peaks in warm weather, and their bites can spread illnesses like West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya.

Mosquito Facts & Tips for Businesses

Mosquitoes quickly multiply and spread diseases, making standing water removal, proper landscaping, and sealed entry points essential for protecting employees and customers.

3 Pest Control Technologies to Help Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Electric backpack misters, the Orkin Eclipse™ trap, and combined mosquito‑and‑tick services offer businesses targeted, eco‑friendly, and comprehensive mosquito control options.