Mosquitoes are irritating pests, especially in the spring and summer. If you think there’s nothing you can do about them, think again because Chase Pest and Termite Control have you covered. Our top-of-the-line Conroe pest control covers mosquitoes and many other pests because we value your health, safety, and comfort. If you need mosquito control, contact Chase Pest and Termite Control.
Mosquitoes: Habits And Behaviors Of The Little Fly
The name “mosquito” comes from the Spanish word for fly—mosca. There are over one hundred mosquitoes in North America, but only a few feed on human blood.
Culex mosquitoes are typically gray with white, silver, or iridescent green or blue scales. They’re about a quarter of an inch long and are found in warm, humid environments—like Conroe. Only females bite humans to drink their blood. Culex mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, not during the day.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are smaller and only about an eighth inch long. They have more distinctive coloring; they have black and white stripes. Like culex mosquitoes, only female Asian tiger mosquitoes drink blood. Asian tiger mosquitoes are active during the day and can be seen year-round in warm climates.
Mosquitoes typically get the nutrients they need from drinking plant nectar. But to produce and lay eggs, female mosquitoes need some extra protein. They can only get this from drinking blood. That’s why only the females bite.
Both culex and Asian tiger varieties of mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on microorganisms in the water. Then they form pupae, which hatch into adults. The length of the mosquito life cycle varies based on species and climate but typically only takes a couple of weeks.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Can Transmit
There’s a lot of fear out there about mosquito-borne illness. Here’s the good news: very few outbreaks of diseases spread by mosquitoes in the United States. Plus, malaria and Zika virus are not spread by American mosquitoes. Any reports of these diseases in the U.S.A. come from travelers.
You should be aware of some illnesses spread by mosquitoes here in the United States, even if they aren’t prevalent. Mosquitoes here can carry West Nile virus, dengue, and some varieties of encephalitis. Although these diseases are not common, they still happen, so it’s essential to protect yourself against mosquito bites. If you experience illness symptoms after being bitten, visit your doctor for treatment.
Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Yard
Mosquitoes look for ideal climates with plenty of food, which means the best way to prevent them is to make your yard less hospitable for mosquitoes.
- Take care of standing water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and it doesn’t need to be much. There have even been mosquito eggs found in bottle caps filled with water. One great way to keep mosquitoes out of your yard is to eliminate the places where their eggs can hatch. It should be removed if you have anything in your yard that can collect water—wading pools, bird baths, pet dishes, toys, or old tires. Items you’d like to keep in your yard (like bird baths) should have their water changed at least once a week. This will keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in your yard.
- Remove extra plants
Mosquitoes look for areas with shade or overgrown plants, weeds, and grass. By keeping your yard trimmed and tidy, it becomes less ideal for mosquitoes. You can also add plants that repel mosquitoes. This includes peppermint, citronella grass, and lemon eucalyptus.
- Protect yourself from bites
Mosquitoes can sense body heat and the carbon dioxide humans exhale, which means they can easily find humans to bite. Fortunately, you can do a few things to avoid becoming the target of these little flies. You can avoid being outside during prime mosquito hours (dusk and dawn). Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants also helps since it minimizes the areas of your body that mosquitoes can access. Mosquito repellent is also a good option for personal protection.
Mosquitoes are a nuisance to have around your yard. And with the risk of disease, you want them taken care of sooner rather than later. Since infestations can be hard to manage on your own, the best way to get rid of mosquitoes from your yard is to call a professional pest management team.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mosquitoes And Keep Them Away?
Chase Pest and Termite Control offer total mosquito control options for homes in Conroe. We use a special treatment designed to get rid of existing mosquitoes, and we’ll work with you to make sure they don’t come back. Your health and safety are important to us. Chase Pest and Termite Control want your home pest-free for good. Call Chase Pest and Termite Control today for total mosquito control in Conroe.