What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are a type of “true fly” with their most unique feature being their proboscis (an extended mouthpart) that they use to feed on both blood and their main source of nutrition, plant nectar. More times than not, mosquitoes aren’t identified by what they look like but rather by the painful, itchy bites they deliver as they feed on our blood. Females require blood meals to produce viable eggs and complete the reproductive cycle.
Mosquitoes are fly-like pests that live outside. They are weak fliers and are easily pushed off course by windy conditions; they are also easily squished by your hand or rolled-up newspaper. Despite being frail, mosquitoes are formidable pests that live worldwide and are responsible for spreading dangerous and debilitating diseases.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
The spread of disease by mosquitoes is what causes them to be considered dangerous pests. A close second is the relentless itchy bites mosquitoes deliver! Mosquitoes in the U.S. spread diseases like the West Nile virus. They also spread other diseases, including eastern equine encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and more.
Another problem with mosquitoes is that they are relentless and having swarms of biting mosquitoes in your yard makes it so you and your family can’t enjoy your outdoor space to its fullest. No one wants to be outside when they are attacked over and over again by mosquitoes!
Our pets are also put at risk when mosquitoes are present. Mosquitoes are carriers of parasitic heartworms that they can transmit to dogs and cats. Heartworm disease is fatal without medication.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Standing water is the most common culprit of a mosquito infestation. Females mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water. After hatching and developing into adults, mosquitoes can fly away, but most stay near where they hatched. The more breeding sites located on or near your property, the more mosquitoes will be present.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes live and breed outdoors but sometimes move inside through open windows or doors or torn screens while searching for food. The warm, humid weather conditions in Alabama allow mosquito populations to flourish. While mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, many species like to escape the heat by resting during the day.
Common resting spots for mosquitoes include:
-
Overgrown grass
-
Dense vegetation
-
Tree canopies
-
Woodpiles
Mosquitoes live in large populations near areas of standing water. Things that collect standing water include:
-
Tires
-
Tops of tarps
-
Wading pools or ponds
-
Clogged gutters
-
Low-lying areas or drainage ditches
-
Buckets, flower pots, or other containers
-
Tree stumps or woodpiles
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
If you're looking to control mosquitoes on your property, reach out to us at Prewett Pest Control. Through advanced technology and convenient and modern services, we offer our customers exceptional mosquito abatement services. Get rid of mosquitoes and keep them from returning in large numbers to your residential or commercial property, by reaching out to the experts at Prewett Pest Control. Contact us today to learn more about our local and effective mosquito control services in Mobile, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding areas!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
To help stop mosquitoes from taking over your Alabama property, we want to offer some easy-to-execute pest prevention tips:
-
If you have a pool or man-made pond on your property, make sure that the water is circulating. Putting fish in ponds helps to get rid of mosquito eggs and keep the water moving. Treat the water in pools with appropriate chemicals.
-
Keep your property’s grass cut short and remove any overgrown vegetation.
-
Make sure gutters and drainage ditches are clear and draining water away from your home and yard.
-
Shake off rainwater that collects on the tops of tarps.
-
Use outdoor fans to keep mosquitoes from becoming a problem on decks or in outdoor eating areas.
-
Don’t over-water garden areas or lawns.
-
When not in use, store containers that collect water upside down.
-
Keep mosquitoes out of your home by making sure open windows or doors have tight-fitting screens in them.
Helpful Mosquito Articles
Everything That Attracts Auburn Mosquitoes
