SKEETER TROUBLE: Sorting out the main concerns posed by mosquitoes in Oklahoma

From the Stillwater News-Press
July 1, 2019

Mosquitoes continue to be the foe of the summer with wet and stormy conditions continuing throughout the year. Because of increased wet conditions, an increase of mosquitoes in the area may be noticed.

Mosquitoes not only carry the fear of being bitten and having itchy, red bumps everywhere, they also carry the fear of having dangerous and sometimes deadly pathogens with them. But which ones do we actually need to be concerned about?

Dog Heartworm

Dog Heartworm is mainly transmitted in Oklahoma by the Asian Tiger Mosquito, a day-biting mosquito, meaning your dog is still likely to be infected during the day, not just at dawn or dusk.

Symptoms of Dog Heartworm may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.

West Nile Virus

The Culex mosquito is the mosquito that primarily carries West Nile Virus. These mosquitoes bite in the early mornings and evenings, but using insect repellent containing DEET at these times cause help reduce your chances of acquiring West Nile virus.

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