Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth — responsible for more human deaths annually than any other creature. They carry and transmit a long list of serious diseases, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika virus in the United States. Reducing mosquito exposure isn’t just about comfort; it’s a genuine public health concern.

Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes in the U.S.

Not every mosquito species carries every disease — different pathogens are associated with different species. But across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, residents face real exposure risk to several mosquito-borne illnesses.

West Nile Virus

West Nile is the most common mosquito-transmitted disease in the continental United States. Transmitted primarily by Culex mosquito species, it circulates between birds and mosquitoes, with humans as incidental hosts. About 80% of infected people show no symptoms. Of those who do, most experience fever, headache, and body aches. About 1 in 150 develop serious neurological illness — encephalitis or meningitis — which can be fatal or cause lasting disability. There is no specific treatment or approved human vaccine.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

EEE is rare but extremely dangerous — with a fatality rate of about 30% in humans who develop neurological disease, and significant rates of permanent brain damage in survivors. Transmitted by Culiseta and Aedes species, EEE circulates in freshwater swamp areas and is more prevalent in the eastern U.S., but cases occur in the Midwest. Outbreaks have been increasing in recent years.

St. Louis Encephalitis

Another Culex-transmitted virus that causes encephalitis, primarily in elderly individuals. Outbreaks have occurred across the Midwest historically, though it is less common than West Nile.

La Crosse Encephalitis

Transmitted by the eastern treehole mosquito (Aedes triseriatus), La Crosse encephalitis primarily affects children and causes serious neurological disease in some cases. More common in the upper Midwest and Appalachian region.

Zika Virus

Zika is primarily transmitted in tropical and subtropical regions, but Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (the latter established in parts of the Midwest) are capable vectors. Most adults experience mild or no symptoms, but Zika infection during pregnancy is associated with serious birth defects including microcephaly. Travel to affected areas is a more significant risk than local transmission in the continental U.S. at this time.

Dog Heartworm

While not a human disease, heartworm is transmitted to pets by mosquitoes and is a significant concern for pet owners in the Midwest. Preventive medication is the standard approach.

How Mosquitoes Transmit Disease

Mosquitoes don’t just carry disease — they’re biological amplifiers. When a mosquito bites an infected host (a bird carrying West Nile, for example), the virus replicates inside the mosquito. When that mosquito bites a human, it injects saliva containing the pathogen into the bloodstream.

This is why mosquito population control matters beyond mere annoyance. Reducing the number of mosquitoes in your environment directly reduces transmission risk.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Key protective measures:

  • Use EPA-registered repellents — DEET (20–30%), picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are CDC-recommended. Apply to exposed skin and clothing.
  • Eliminate standing water — dump, drain, or cover any water-holding containers around your home at least weekly
  • Wear protective clothing at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
  • Keep window and door screens in good repair
  • Reduce yard mosquito populations with professional treatment programs

When to Call a Professional

If mosquitoes are a regular presence around your home, professional mosquito control isn’t just a luxury — it’s a meaningful public health investment. Population-level reduction around your property reduces the number of bites your family experiences, which directly reduces disease exposure risk.

This is especially important for families with young children, elderly members, or immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk for severe disease outcomes.

What Miller Pest Solutions Does About Mosquitoes

Miller Pest Solutions provides professional mosquito control for homeowners in Des Moines, Kansas City, and Omaha. As a family-owned business operating since 2001 with QualityPro Certification, we take mosquito control seriously — not as a seasonal afterthought, but as genuine pest management with real health implications.

Our treatments target mosquito resting areas and are paired with breeding site guidance to address the population at multiple points in the life cycle. We help families get real, measurable relief from mosquito pressure all season long.

Learn more at our mosquito control page.

Get a Free Phone Bid

Protect your family from mosquito-borne illness this season. Call Miller Pest Solutions for a free phone bid — Des Moines: (816) 420-0340, Kansas City: (816) 409-3884, Omaha: (402) 532-8863. Or request a quote online.