Mosquitoes are not carriers of Lyme disease. Understanding how these arthropods affect human health is important.
Lyme Disease Transmission
Lyme disease is caused by specific bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, and in rare cases, B. mayonii, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in the eastern and central United States, and western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) on the Pacific Coast. These ticks have a two to three-year life cycle involving four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks become infected during their larval or nymphal stages by feeding on infected small mammals or birds that carry the bacteria.
Transmission to humans occurs through tiny nymphal ticks, often unnoticed. For bacteria to transfer, an infected tick must be attached for more than 24 to 36 hours. The bacteria migrate from the tick’s midgut to its salivary glands and into the host’s bloodstream during a prolonged blood meal. Prompt removal of ticks reduces the risk of infection.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitoes, unlike ticks, transmit a variety of diseases caused by viruses or parasites. For instance, West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on infected birds. The virus then multiplies within the mosquito before transmission to a person.
Mosquitoes transmit various illnesses, including Zika virus, Dengue fever, and Malaria. Zika virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes become infected by biting a person with the virus and then transmit it. Malaria is caused by a parasite and is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite enters a person’s bloodstream, travels to the liver, and then infects red blood cells.
Preventing Bites
Protecting oneself from both tick and mosquito bites involves several practical strategies to minimize exposure. When outdoors, particularly in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants creates a physical barrier against bites. Tucking pant legs into socks further prevents ticks from crawling onto the skin. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients like DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing effectively deters both mosquitoes and ticks. Products with 0.5% permethrin also treat clothing and gear for protection, lasting through several washes. After spending time outdoors, check clothing, gear, and pets for ticks before coming inside. Performing a full body check and showering within two hours of returning indoors helps remove unattached ticks and reduces disease transmission risk. Eliminating standing water around homes in containers like buckets, flowerpots, and old tires reduces mosquito breeding sites.