Most people think of mosquitoes as annoying buzzing insects that leave itchy bites. When you spend time outside in Alabama, mosquitos are a fact of life. But here in the South, mosquitoes are so much more than a summertime nuisance. They are an annoyance-in-alabama, but they also are a threat to our health and safety.
Alabama’s hot and humid climate is perfect for mosquitoes to breed all year long. With their large numbers comes the potential for disease and complications that could spread across communities and affect the entire population.
In this article, we’ll cover why mosquitoes are much more than a nuisance, the types of health risks they pose for Alabama families, and the importance of professional mosquito control services for your family’s health and safety.
Mosquito Health Risks to Consider
Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the deadliest animals on Earth. However, it is not their bite that is deadly, but the diseases they carry with them. The most dangerous of these diseases in Alabama include:
1. West Nile Virus (WNV)
Transmission: Carried by the Culex mosquito through their bite.
Symptoms: While most people infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms, about 1 in 5 will develop a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. A small percentage of those who contract WNV will develop encephalitis or meningitis, both of which are life-threatening.
Impact in Alabama: West Nile is reported almost every year in Alabama, typically peaking in late summer and early fall. As of 2024, the U.S. has reported 1,466 cases of West Nile virus, with 34 confirmed cases of West Nile in Alabama across a swath of counties from Madison to Jefferson and Shelby down to Montgomery County.
2. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Transmission: Carried by the mosquitoes to both humans and horses.
Symptoms: Symptoms can vary, but range from a mild flu-like illness to severe brain inflammation. Death occurs in about 30% of severe cases, with those that survive having long-term neurological complications.
Risk Areas: The swampy and rural areas of Alabama have the most risk, but all counties are at risk of EEE.
2024 Status: So far in 2024, there have been no confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in humans. No horses in Alabama have tested positive in 2024 so far either.
3. Zika Virus
Transmission: Carried primarily by the Aedes mosquito that is active during the day.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The greatest risk of Zika is to pregnant women, as it has been linked to microcephaly and other birth defects.
Emerging Threat: In 2024, Zika cases increased 14% across the Americas, but fortunately, the U.S. has not seen any locally transmitted Zika virus cases since 2022. However, the type of Aedes mosquito that transmits Zika can and does exist in Alabama, and climate change is expanding the range of mosquitoes across the U.S. year by year. So, it is important to keep a close eye on this virus.
4. Dengue and Chikungunya
Transmission: Dengue and chikungunya are both spread by the Aedes mosquito.
Symptoms: Severe high fevers, severe muscle and joint pain, rash, and body aches. Dengue is sometimes referred to as breakbone fever because of the pain it causes.
Emerging Threat: Dengue and chikungunya are found in Alabama’s neighboring states and in some parts of North Carolina. While it is rare in Alabama, the U.S. saw 208 cases of Dengue that were locally acquired in 2024 and another 28 cases in the first quarter of 2025. As global travel increases and climate change warms our area, both of these viruses pose a real risk to Alabama families.
Mosquito Control for Public Health
Mosquitoes are dangerous and the proof is in the details. These insects are far more than just an annoyance-in-alabama. The good news is that when they are managed well, the risk of infection and illness can be kept to a minimum. To help prevent mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito control is critical for several reasons:
1. Disease Prevention
The most obvious reason to control mosquitoes is to prevent disease transmission. When mosquito populations are kept under control, the risk of viruses spreading to humans is drastically reduced. This is accomplished through the elimination of breeding grounds and treatment of adults.
2. Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Some people are at higher risk for complications from mosquito-borne diseases. These include infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Controlling mosquito populations can help protect these vulnerable groups from illness and even death.
3. Improving Quality of Life
Mosquitoes not only cause disease but also affect our ability to enjoy the outdoors. People will often avoid barbecues, pool parties, or evening walks if mosquitoes are present. Controlling mosquito populations can improve mental health and benefit local economies that are reliant on outdoor activities.
4. Climate Change Impacts
Climate change is resulting in warmer weather and longer summers. These conditions mean longer mosquito breeding seasons. In turn, this will increase mosquito populations and make the state more vulnerable to new diseases entering the area.
Steel City Pest’s Mosquito Control Services
Steel City Pest knows mosquitoes are much more than a mere annoyance-in-alabama. They are a public health threat and must be treated seriously. That’s why we use science-backed, state-approved mosquito control and prevention services to ensure your family is safe and protected all year long.
Our mosquito control and prevention includes:
- Misting Systems: Fully automated outdoor mosquito treatments create a protective barrier around your home or business.
- Larvicide Applications: Applied to standing water sources, this treatment kills mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.
- Barrier Sprays: Long-lasting sprays applied to vegetation, shrubs, and other mosquito resting areas.
- Source Reduction: Screening your home and property to find and eliminate standing water.
- Mosquito Traps & Stations: Environmentally friendly mosquito capture systems that use light or CO2 to attract pests without chemicals.
Reduce Mosquito Populations with Steel City Pest
In a nutshell, mosquitoes are dangerous, and most people underestimate the threat they pose. They are not just an annoyance-in-alabama but a public health threat as well. Mosquitoes have the potential to spread deadly diseases across the state and even keep families from enjoying time outside with their friends and family.
You don’t have to wait for mosquito season to become a problem in and around your Alabama property. Steel City Pest is here for you with the best mosquito control services available, and we are backed by years of experience in the pest control industry.
Contact us today for your free quote on mosquito control treatments to keep your family, pets, and home protected all year long.
