Every year, I look forward to summer and all of the activities I can get outside and enjoy with my family. We get together to grill, throw a frisbee, play corn hole, swim, camp, hike and just sit outside to enjoy the fresh air after being coupled up inside all winter long. The flip side of all of this fun is the appearance of the pesky mosquito. Mosquitoes can ruin a fun activity for my family if I don't make mosquito control near me a priority.
Mosquito Basics
Mosquitoes are found all over the world with 176 species found in the US. A mosquito's bite can cause at the least a small, itchy bump and at the most, a potentially fatal disease. In America, the greatest concern is transmission of West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It is interesting to note that only the female mosquito will bite. My family's health is important, so I need to be sure I have mosquito control near me and my family.
Mosquito Species
The most common mosquitoes that are found in the US are of the Aedes, Anopheles and Culex genera. They can all transmit various diseases to me and my family if I do not have good mosquito control near me.
Aedes Mosquitoes
Aedes mosquitoes are not typical mosquitoes that come out at dusk to hunt for their food source. Aedes mosquitoes such as the Asian Tiger Mosquito are active during the day and they prefer humans as their blood source. Aedes mosquitoes are found mostly in the Southern regions of the US but can be found across the East Coast, Pacific Northwest and Midwest as well. It is possible for Aedes Mosquitoes to transmit diseases like Dengue Fever, the Zika virus and less predominantly in the US, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya. Aedes mosquitoes will lay their eggs either on or near the surface of a temporary water source like gutters, pools and flower pots. Aedes mosquitoes do not travel far from their water source so I know I have a breeding problem nearby if one tries to bite me. If one tries to bite me, I know I do not have good mosquito control near me.
Anopheles Mosquitoes
Anopheles mosquitoes are likely to be found in my house as well as outside if I do not maintain good mosquito control near me. Anopheles mosquitoes will bite between dusk and dawn and they will bite both humans and animals. Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs on something that floats (like a lily pad) on the surface of natural bodies of water like ponds, swamps and marshes. Anopheles mosquitoes can be found in both the Eastern part of the US and the Western part of the US.
Culex Mosquitoes
These mosquitoes will bite at nighttime and they like to live both indoors and outside. These mosquitoes prefer birds as their food source but will be sure to bite me if I don't have effective mosquito control near me. Culex mosquitoes are found in all parts of the US and can transmit diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. The female culex mosquitos prefer to lay their eggs on objects floating on the surface of polluted freshwater areas. I might find Culex mosquito eggs on a leaf floating on the stagnant water in an empty flower pot.
How Can I Achieve Mosquito Control Near Me?
I enjoy summertime and all the activities available to me when the weather is right. I don't enjoy all the pests that appear during the summer, especially mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are a nuisance that only multiplies in numbers as the season progresses unless I achieve good mosquito control near me. Mosquitoes are often more than a nuisance that bites and causes a red, itchy bump. Mosquitoes can also transmit diseases such as the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever and Easter Equine Encephalitis. I need to quickly gain good mosquito control near me to inhibit a mosquito infestation that will make it impossible for me and my family to enjoy all the summertime activities. Here are a few ways you can try to achieve mosquito control on your own:
- Check your yard and patio for any containers holding water and drain them.
- Do not leave baby pools outside with water left in them. Drain and put away after each use. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in a small amount of water.
- Keep swimming pools clean and maintain appropriate chlorine levels.
- Keep your outdoor trash can sealed with a lid so rainwater cannot collect inside. It is a good idea to poke holes in the bottom of your trash can to drain any water that does accumulate.
- Drain outdoor pet water bowls daily and replace with fresh water.
- Check around your AC unit for condensed water accumulations and drain/dry them.
- Keep water features around your house moving so the water won't become stagnant. Mosquitoes can not breed in moving water.
- Keep water features around your home clean and clear of algae. Mosquito larvae use algae as a food source.
- Fish in ponds will eat larvae.
- Mosquitoes like to rest and hide in tall grass so keep your yard well groomed to discourage mosquito infestations.
- Mosquitoes do not like some herbs. Plant mint, rosemary, basil and/or thyme to repel mosquitoes.
The best option for good mosquito control near me is to start the summer season with a professional service by a certified mosquito control services provider. A certified pest control provider has the knowledge and ability to apply the most effective treatment to achieve and maintain mosquito control near me.
