Every summer, mosquitoes arrive uninvited—drawn to standing water, warm evenings, and anyone who dares to enjoy time outside. They are tiny, persistent, and somehow experts at finding the one uncovered spot.
World Mosquito Day, observed each year on August 20, commemorates Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between people. It is also an opportunity to learn more about mosquitoes and support efforts to prevent mosquito-borne disease.
Although most mosquito encounters result in little more than an itchy bump and a few minutes of swatting, mosquitoes are more than a summertime nuisance. They can spread diseases to people, including malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Some infections can cause serious illness, so prevention matters.
Our pets are at risk, too. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, and untreated heartworm infections can damage the heart, lungs, and related blood vessels. Ask a veterinarian about year-round heartworm prevention and never use a mosquito or insect product on a pet unless it is specifically labeled for that animal and approved for its species.
To reduce risk, remove standing water from flowerpots, buckets, gutters, and outdoor toys; use screens and air conditioning when possible; wear long sleeves and pants; and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the label. When practical, keep pets indoors during times of heavy mosquito activity, and follow your veterinarian’s prevention recommendations.
So this World Mosquito Day, appreciate these tiny creatures from a safe distance—and remember that the best mosquito bite is the one that never happens.
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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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