Mosquito control can be one of the most annoying endeavors a homeowner can attempt. These pests can feel impossible to repel or get rid of once they’ve decided that they want to make your yard their home. There are some things that you can do to more effectively keep them away, however. This article will give you the information you need to understand mosquitoes, the diseases they can spread, and how you can mitigate their presence on your property.
And if do-it-yourself solutions aren’t enough, you can always contact your local mosquito experts, Pied Piper Pest Control. We are leaders in the Garden City pest control industry, and we’re always happy to help local homeowners with their mosquito problems. We’ll start by examining the lifecycle of the most common mosquito in the area – the Culex mosquito.
Mosquitoes: The Lifecycle Of The Little Fly
While there are many types of mosquitoes found throughout the world, the Culex mosquito is by far the most common mosquito across the United States. They vary widely in color; their bodies are mostly gray with scales colored silver, white, blue, or green. They have two wings that are mostly transparent, six long, spindly legs, and two antennae. Their bodies are usually long and slender, ranging from a quarter of an inch to three-eighths of an inch, depending on whether they’ve fed recently or not.
The lifecycle of a mosquito starts with eggs laid by female mosquitoes. These eggs are almost always laid in water, though there are some species that lay their eggs near water instead. Within a day or two, the eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae are still dependent on water to survive and will usually die if the water source they were laid in evaporates or otherwise disappears. Larvae become pupa in about 7 to 10 days after hatching and feeding. When the pupa are ready to complete their transformation into full-fledged mosquitoes, they emerge from their pupal cases and stand on the surface of the water until their exoskeleton hardens and their wings are ready to use. They can then go on to repeat the cycle. Now that you know a bit more about the lifecycle of mosquitoes, let’s talk about some of the diseases carried by mosquitoes.
The Dangerous Diseases Mosquito Bites Can Spread
Most people know mosquitoes as the insects that cause itchy welts, but they are also carriers of a number of diseases, some of which are potentially deadly. One of these diseases is malaria, which is responsible for most of the deaths caused by mosquitoes every year. Fortunately, cases of malaria are rare in the United States.
Other diseases that are of greater concern for U.S. residents are West Nile virus, encephalitis, and dengue fever. This is why it’s important to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard; it prevents them from spreading potentially fatal diseases to you or your family. Next, we’ll go over some simple tips that should help you reduce the risk of a mosquito infestation on your property.
Natural And Effective Mosquito Prevention Tips
Mosquito control for homeowners starts with effective prevention strategies, so let’s talk about some natural ways to repel mosquitoes around your Garden City property. These tips will help you keep you and your family safe. They include:
- Remove any areas of standing water in or around your house, as these can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Use small fans to repel mosquitoes at outdoor gatherings since they aren’t good at flying against the wind.
- Wear insect repellant that contains DEET when outside, as well as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Avoid going outside around dusk or dawn whenever possible, as these are the times when mosquitoes are typically the most active.
Most counties will have some kind of mosquito abatement program, which should help reduce the risks of mosquitoes, as well as keep residents informed of any potential disease risks. If you do find yourself dealing with a lot of mosquitoes around your home, you can always contact a professional mosquito control company.
Contact Us For All Your Mosquito Control Needs
For all your mosquito control needs, contact us at Pied Piper Pest Control. Our company has been in business for over 20 years, and we’re committed to customer satisfaction every single time.
We’ll help you rid your yard of mosquitoes and restore the peace of mind you and your family deserve. Contact Pied Piper Pest Control today!
I've been using this company a year now and couldn't be more satisfied. Idk why I haven't left one before. They're prompt and no matter the issue, he has always resolved it. Thank you for keeping my wife safe from the little mosters.
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