Of all the joys summer provides, dealing with pesky mosquitoes is certainly not one of them! Mosquitoes are probably the best recognized pest during this time of year. Their bites interfere with your outdoor barbeque, fun by the pool, and virtually every other outdoor activity. Mosquito bites are more than just a nuisance, though. They can also spread disease. Read on to find out more about this common summer pest and how to prevent problems stemming from a mosquito bite.
There are over 3000 kinds of mosquitoes, over 175 species of them living in the United States. The bug we associate with that nasty little bite is actually the female. The males actually do not bite.
There is good reason to take this pest seriously. Not only do they spoil our outside activities, but they also bite livestock and pets. Their bites can transmit diseases like yellow fever and encephalitis. Because they also bite animals, they can transfer diseases from animals to humans, such as the West Nile virus. It is viruses like West Nile that promote the mosquito from simple household pest to public safety concern. As we are traveling more and more, we all have increased the chances of being exposed to once exotic diseases like West Nile virus.
Rain & warm temperatures make mosquitoes more likely to come out this summer. How can you reduce your exposure to mosquitoes? There are several things you can do to take precautions.
First, check for mosquito habitats. Even if you do not have standing water in your yard, flower pots, bird baths and gutters can still be the perfect breeding grounds. Drain any long standing water sources like bird baths and change the water regularly. Living near wooded areas creates more opportunities for mosquito bites, so take personal precautions around these places as well, such as wearing pants and long sleeved shirts.
For temporary relief, sprays, traps and citronella candles can keep mosquitoes away from your deck for a few hours. But they are not a permanent solution to the problem. If your citronella candle isn’t getting the job done, you should consider hiring a residential pest control company that offers mosquito control services.
A pest control company such as Hopper can assess your unique situation and determine what the right plan of attack would be. Trust our exterminators to provide dependable, experienced expertise when ridding your home of this pest. We have received the EPA’s highest recognition for our commitment to reducing the impact of pesticides on the environment.
Subscribe
