Mosquito Disease Prevention Starts in Your Yard

MOSQUITOES ARE MORE THAN JUST A NUISANCE

Mosquito populations continue to increase throughout Missouri, creating more than just an annoyance for homeowners and families. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting serious diseases that can impact both humans and pets. Warm temperatures, frequent rainfall, and standing water provide ideal breeding conditions, allowing mosquito populations to explode during the spring, summer, and fall months.

WEST NILE VIRUS IN MISSOURI

West Nile Virus remains the most significant mosquito-borne disease threat in Missouri. State health officials reported elevated West Nile Virus activity in 2025, including multiple hospitalizations and deaths across Missouri, with cases reported in the St. Louis region and throughout the state. The virus is spread when infected mosquitoes bite humans after feeding on infected birds. (GovDelivery)

Most people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms. However, approximately 1 in 5 infected individuals may develop symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Headaches

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Nausea

In rare but serious cases, West Nile Virus can attack the brain and nervous system, causing encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis, permanent neurological damage, and even death. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of severe illness. (GovDelivery)

OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES FOUND IN MISSOURI

In addition to West Nile Virus, mosquitoes in Missouri have tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV), another potentially dangerous disease that can cause inflammation of the brain and nervous system. Like West Nile Virus, severe infections can result in hospitalization, long-term neurological complications, or death. (Missouri Department of Health)

Health officials continuously monitor mosquito populations throughout Missouri because mosquito-borne diseases can spread rapidly when environmental conditions favor mosquito breeding. (Missouri Department of Health)

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

The best defense against mosquito-borne diseases is reducing mosquito populations around your property. Professional mosquito control treatments help eliminate adult mosquitoes and target breeding areas before populations become established.

Homeowners should also:

• Eliminate standing water from containers, bird baths, flower pots, and gutters.

• Keep grass and landscaping maintained.

• Repair damaged window and door screens.

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents when outdoors.

• Limit outdoor exposure during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. (Missouri Department of Health)

DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU GET BITTEN

A single mosquito bite can potentially expose you to harmful diseases. Protect your yard, your pets, and your family with proactive mosquito control throughout the mosquito season. Professional treatments can dramatically reduce mosquito populations and help create a safer outdoor environment for everyone.