It may not be summer quite yet, but these blood-sucking pests aren’t interested in waiting around for the exact calendar date!
Now that the weather is warming up, the rain is falling and the presence of life is oh-so high, mosquitoes in Hartford are beginning to return to their yearly feeding frenzy. Perhaps the most recognized of worldwide pests, the mosquito measures roughly an 1/8 inch long at maturity. With six legs, enormous thoraxes, and a powerful piercing mouth, this insect is fully equipped to puncture through human flesh. It should be noted that only female mosquitoes drink blood for the purposes of reproduction. It is only after a blood meal that eggs can be laid, and the life cycle of the mosquito is yet again fulfilled. Mosquitoes need very little space to lay their eggs and have been known to lay eggs in water puddles as small as a bottle cap. This makes their ongoing management a difficult and trying process.
These buzzing pests aren’t just annoying backyard hooligans but dangerous threats to your health and safety as well. In fact, mosquitoes are considered by many experts to be one of the most dangerous creatures on earth. A short list of the diseases mosquitoes can transmit include:
- Exotic illnesses, including Zika virus and malaria
- West Nile virus
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Yellow fever
- Encephalitis
- Tularemia
Many of these illnesses cause severe pain, paralysis, and in some cases death.
Since they cause millions upon millions of fatalities each year, allowing mosquito populations to survive and thrive on your property shouldn't be an option. Homeowners are urged to protect themselves and their families by investing in proper mosquito prevention during the active season.
Top Five Tips For Lessening Mosquito Populations Around Your Property
You cannot always control the outcome of a mosquito bite, but you can be in control of the amount of risk present on your lawn or property. By following these five steps, homeowners may drastically reduce their risks for mosquito bites and their related transmitted diseases.
- Any standing water around the property should be removed, if possible. Fill up potholes or low spots with topsoil, and dump water puddles out of tarps, wheelbarrows, or toys that may have been sitting out. For standing water features you cannot drain, consider having a pest control professional come and use larvicide in those areas.
- Prune shrubbery and trim hedges away from the sides of the home, taking care to dispose of the organic materials. Mosquitoes will not remain in areas that don't offer adequate shading.
- While sitting in outdoor areas, try turning on a portable or overhead fan. Mosquitoes are not particularly good fliers and will have a much more difficult time reaching you with a stiff breeze than they would otherwise.
- Manage the amount of flowers or flowering plants you maintain around the yard. Mosquitoes, especially male, are attracted to the sweet scents and nectar.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, even during the hot summer months. As additional layer of protection, use a repellent or spray.
Are your mosquitoes mitigating their mitigator? Schedule a home inspection through American Pest Solutions now to find out.
Manage The Mosquito Menace With Control From American Pest Solutions
Mosquito control is an ongoing process that cannot be completed in a single night. No matter what your mosquito populations look like, the best way to combat these blood-sucking yard pests is with professional assistance and yearly mosquito abatement programs.
Ready to get started with a pest control plan that’s right for you? Reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable experts at American Pest Solutions. Call our office in person, or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with a professional representative immediately.