Understanding Mosquitoes: What You Need to Know

You've likely been the victim of a mosquito bite, and while we can all agree that bites are itchy and annoying, what else do we need to know? Well, mosquitoes are dangerous vector pests that not only leave us with nuisance bites but can also spread diseases to their hosts. Here are some basic ways to identify mosquitoes:

• Mosquitoes are a grayish-silver color, and they have slender, elongated bodies.
• They are thin, measuring about ½ of an inch long, with two wings and three pairs of long legs.
• Their bodies and wing veins are covered with bluish-green scales, and they have feathery antennae. 
• Mosquitoes have a proboscis, which is an elongated "mouth" that sticks out from their heads.
• They use their proboscis to pierce the skin of their hosts and draw blood out of their bodies.

The Dangers of Mosquitoes: Protect Yourself

As vector pests, mosquitoes can transmit a long list of diseases through their bites. They pick up pathogens, bacteria, and diseases as they travel from one host to another. If an infected mosquito bites you, they can pass that sickness on. Some common mosquito-borne illnesses include:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Encephalitis
• Filariasis
• Heartworm
• Malaria
• Tularemia
• West Nile virus
• Yellow fever
• Zika virus

Identifying the Source of Your Mosquito Problem

Female mosquitoes lay eggs on top of areas of standing water. After hatching and developing into adults, some mosquitoes fly away, but most stay near where they hatched. The more breeding sites located on or near your property, the more mosquitoes will be a problem. 

Mosquitoes lay eggs on top of standing water that collects in human-made or natural containers. Buckets, tires, tree stumps, woodpiles, clogged gutters, trash cans, flowerpots, and wading pools all act as breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Common Locations for Mosquito Activity

Mosquitoes are most active when the temperatures are above 80 degrees, which is why they are so problematic during the summer. Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes are most active, preferring the cooler temperatures both provide. 

During the heat of the day, mosquitoes rest in tall grass, dense vegetation, and piles of debris. People may come into contact with mosquitoes in almost any outdoor environment, including parks, wooded areas, fields, near rivers, and the city.

Effective Strategies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Controlling the number of mosquitoes living and breeding on your property is best done with the help of an experienced professional. Our professionals provide the mosquito control services necessary to get rid of mosquitoes, letting you enjoy your yard to its fullest potential. We limit the contact our customers have with biting mosquitoes on their property through advanced technology and services. If you are ready to get rid of swarms of mosquitoes from your yard, call the Riverside mosquito control team at Compass Pest Management today.

Preventing Future Mosquito Infestations

One of the most important things to remember about mosquito control is to reduce attractants around your property. Address food, water, and shelter sources to remove the incentive for mosquitoes to stick around. Here are helpful tips to prevent mosquito activity on your property:

• Be mindful of water collection in sandboxes, wagons, toys, downspouts, and gutters.
• Divert water away from the house by maintaining gutters and downspouts.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water around your property.
• Install window and door screens or repair tears in existing screens.
• Keep all the windows and doors closed when possible.
• Maintain well-trimmed landscaping and a frequently cut lawn.
• Use insect repellent and permethrin or DEET-treated clothing when outside. 
• Wear long sleeves and long pants to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes.

When it comes to preventing mosquito activity in your backyard, you can try citronella candles, tiki torches, and all kinds of sprays and pesticides; but the truth is, none of these methods are reliable. The best thing you can do is secure help from the professionals. 

If you want to reduce your susceptibility to mosquito activity effectively, the best thing to do is get professional protection. Compass Pest Management offers comprehensive mosquito control and prevention services that give you year-round coverage from mosquito infestations. Call us today to learn more about our mosquito solutions and how we can assist you.