Mosquitoes can vary in size and are often confused with other flies. A mosquito is distinguished by its “straw-like” mouthparts. Female mosquitoes use this mouthpart to feed on blood as well as nectar, whereas male mosquitoes only feed on nectar.
Mosquitos start their lifecycle as an egg which is laid on a water surface or in moist soil by an adult female mosquito. The egg then hatches into a larva that will feed on aquatic algae and other organic material. After molting several times this larva will then transform into a pupa which is the stage directly before adulthood. The adult mosquito will then emerge from the water after completing the pupa stage. A female mosquito will lay eggs after finding a bloodmeal, these eggs can survive dry conditions for months.
Florida is home to 80 known types of mosquitoes, which is more than any other state. Over thirty are known to cause problems for people and 13 are known to carry serious diseases.
For quick knockdown results of mosquitos, spraying for mosquitoes is the preferred method in the pest control industry. Typically, this method is done using an insect repellant product combined with a growth regulator that specifically targets the mosquito species and prevents it from further breeding. Some of the factors to consider prior to starting a mosquito program are what are the water sources nearby, what type of landscaping is present in your yard, what expectations are you looking for from a mosquito program, and what cost are you willing to spend to lessen the problem. At a minimal mosquito spraying should be done on a monthly basis to help abate the issue. We recommend using these services only as an abatement program and not a full elimination program.
Some of the newer mosquito products on the market are mosquito baiting systems. These systems usually have water located inside them which lures the mosquito inside to act as a breeding site, once inside the mosquito becomes contaminated by the pest control product which the mosquito then spreads to other sites nearby. These systems have shown good results against a few types of mosquitoes in our area but do not target all species of mosquitoes. We recommend combining these systems with a mosquito spraying service for best results. We recommend using these services only as an abatement program and not a full elimination program.
Despite their small size, mosquitoes on average are one of the most dangerous creatures for humans. It is estimated that mosquito-borne diseases kill an estimated 725,000 people every year. Mosquitoes are known to carry many different major diseases which affect humans such as the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, and Malaria to name a few. Thankfully, a majority of these diseases are not often seen in the continental United States, but it is not uncommon to see a few cases pop up each year.
Mosquitoes are drawn to hot and wet climates, which makes Florida a perfect breeding ground for these bothersome pests. Other factors such as close proximity to water and plant types planted around your home can also be a contributing factor. Reach out to our pest control representative today for a complimentary consultation.
Completely eliminating mosquitoes from outside your home can be a difficult task. A combined effort from the homeowner and the pest control company servicing the property is needed to achieve desired results. A recurring mosquito service, proper plant selection, and wearing bug spray while out in your yard are the recommended course of action for eliminating a mosquito issue.
To prevent mosquitoes in the future we recommend the following: 1. Obtain a recurring mosquito service for your property. 2. Eliminate stagnant water collection sites on your property. Mosquitos can breed in an area about a spoon size of water. Think buckets, spare tires, improperly installed gutters, etc. 3. Wear bug spray if you plan on being outside for extended periods of time. Clothing that covers the skin is a bonus. 4. Install screens on your doors and windows. Mosquitoes will quickly enter a home and become a nuisance if invited in. For more tips reach out to Q and L Pest Management representative.