The Best Way To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard In The Woodlands
With cooler temperatures packing their bags and heading out to make room for the arrival of warm weather, many people become excited at the thought of spending more time out in their yards. Whether it's tending to your garden, cooking delicious food on the grill, or simply relaxing in your hammock while reading a good book, there's something about the luxury of enjoying the outdoors without ever having to leave your own residence.
The only problem is that humans aren't the only ones gearing up to enjoy more time outside. Mosquitoes are on their way and ready to annoy as many homeowners as possible. These tiny titans with a taste for blood can quickly turn a pleasant evening into an itchy, uncomfortable occasion where the only sound that fills the air is the slapping of different body parts in a desperate attempt to shoo them away. Dealing with skeeters is not only incredibly frustrating but risky to your health, as they can carry a multitude of diseases that could make your entire household sick.
Even beyond the physical aggravation of encountering mosquitoes, there's also the mental toll it can take. The constant buzzing and biting can leave you feeling anxious and stressed, and the fear of contracting a mosquito-borne illness can add to that emotional anguish.
But as much as we love to hate them, these biting nuisances are here to stay. So, what are you supposed to do? Well, some people have gotten creative with their methods of mosquito control. From hanging bags of water to planting certain types of herbs, there's no shortage of wacky ideas out there to keep these flying critters at bay.
To make matters worse, mosquitoes are incredibly difficult to get rid of completely. Since they require water to reproduce, your yard may be the perfect breeding ground without you even realizing it. Whether you have buckets, old tires, bird baths, kiddie pools, or other containers, these insects only need a little slow-moving or stagnant water to lay hundreds of eggs. Even clogged gutters make an ideal location for mosquitoes to reproduce.
If you're tired of your relaxing summer evenings turning into a full-blown itch-fest, it's time to turn to pest professionals who can eliminate this pesky problem. Our team at Modern Pest Control has been in the business of saving the summers of many homeowners for a long time. We provide the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes so you can enjoy your yard free of worry.
So, if you're ready to say "buzz off" to these unwanted insects, keep reading to discover the most effective methods to send them packing and how professionals with pest control in The Woodlands can help.
What Is A Mosquito?
Mosquitoes, otherwise known as nature's miniature vampires, are tiny terrors that operate like little helicopters with hypodermic needles for noses. They buzz around, looking for their next victim to feast upon and gorge on a buffet of blood vessels. They don't care who you are or what you're doing. As far as they're concerned, you're just a walking blood bag with legs.
Unless you live in Iceland or Antarctica, you've gotten up close and personal with your fair share of mosquitoes. Or, even more accurately, they've gotten up close and personal with you. These minuscule flying critters belong to the Culicidae family. There are more than 3,000 identified species of mosquitoes, which have been alive for more than 200 million years. Research suggests that it's possible that these insects even existed during the Jurassic era based on fossil evidence.
Mosquitoes have always been a part of human history, and even folklore, for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that these insects were created by the god Apollo as a punishment for human arrogance. In fact, the word "mosquito" comes from the Spanish and Portuguese words for "little fly" or "gnat."
Throughout history, mosquitoes have been responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. The discovery of mosquito-borne illnesses led to the development of insecticides and other methods to control their populations. But despite these efforts, mosquitoes continue to be a major public health concern.
Mosquitoes in Texas are easily identified by their long, thin legs, narrow wings, and long, slender proboscis. The proboscis is a long, thin, flexible tube-like structure that extends from the mosquito's head and is used for feeding. Envision a tiny version of a drinking straw but with plenty more bells and whistles.
The proboscis is made up of several parts that work together to pierce the skin of its host and extract blood. At the tip of the proboscis, there are two sharp, needle-like components called maxillae that pierce the skin. Then, two other structures, called mandibles, help to hold the skin in place while the mosquito feeds.
As if that wasn't impressive enough, the proboscis also has two other tubes that are used for feeding. One tube suctions up the blood, while the other deposits saliva into the site to thin out the blood and prevent it from clotting. It's quite a sophisticated piece of equipment, and it's all in service to do one thing; satisfy the female mosquito's insatiable thirst for blood to reproduce. So the next time you feel that telltale itch from a mosquito bite, you can thank their trusty proboscis for the souvenir they left behind.
Although the female is slightly larger, mosquitoes typically range in size from two to fifteen millimeters. These insects are also known for their distinctive buzzing sound, created by the rapid beating of their wings. You'll most likely encounter them during the early morning or late evening. Mosquitoes are drawn to the warmth of human bodies along with the carbon dioxide we exhale. While the males consume nectar or other plant substances, females require the nutrients in blood to produce eggs.
If you've noticed mosquitoes in your yard, or have been bitten yourself, get in touch with your local pest control company for assistance with eliminating these insects.
Mosquitoes Are Considered One Of The Most Dangerous Animals
This may sound hard to believe, but mosquitoes are considered one of the world's most dangerous creatures. No, it's not because they can drain you dry faster than a juice box in a toddler's hands. It's because they can carry potentially dangerous diseases. And while not all mosquitoes carry and transmit diseases, those that do can be responsible for severe sickness, disability, and even death. They're not just annoying insects that constantly buzz around; they can be lethal weapons that cause serious harm.
Take a look at some of the reasons below why mosquitoes should not be left to fly freely around your yard:
Yellow fever: Common in tropical areas and can cause mild to severe symptoms ranging from a low-grade fever and headache to jaundice, bleeding, and even organ failure.
Malaria: A parasitic infection that can cause body aches, chills, fever, headaches, and even death if not treated.
Dengue fever: A viral disease that produces flu-like symptoms, such as joint pain, high fever, and severe headaches.
Zika virus: A viral disease that only produces mild or no symptoms at all but causes birth defects in infants born to infected mothers.
West Nile virus: A viral disease in which mild or no symptoms occur. It can cause inflammation of the brain or the membranes that surround both the brain and spinal cord.
These are just a few of the many diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. In addition to the physical toll they take, mosquito-borne illnesses can also have a significant economic impact, particularly in areas where they are endemic. For these reasons, mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous animals in the world, and efforts to control their populations and prevent the spread of disease are ongoing.
There's no better reason to get in touch with Modern Pest Control to schedule a complete property assessment to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Give us a call today so we can discuss your dilemma in greater detail and devise a suitable treatment plan for you.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Yard
You've heard it before; that soothing soundtrack of summer – leaves rustling from a warm breeze blowing, the lyrical chirping of birds, and the constant whine of mosquitoes buzzing in your ear. What is it about your yard that makes these irritating insects so attracted to it? Just when you thought you weren't contributing to your own demise, take a look around. You're probably providing luxury accommodations for mosquitoes to survive, reproduce, and thrive.
Is there standing water on your property in the form of overflowing bird baths or forgotten children's wading pools? Mosquitoes love nothing more than a refreshing dip in your backyard oasis. Whether they're buckets or bottle caps, empty out any item that has collected water, it only takes a tiny amount of H2O to attract mosquitoes. Also, check those gutters and downspouts and clear them of any debris. Promptly repair any leaks to sprinkler systems or outdoor faucets.
In addition to moisture, mosquitoes are attracted to you. From the lactic acid and sweat your skin produces to the carbon dioxide you exhale, you're essentially a walking-talking buffet on stilts that mosquitoes can't wait to devour. To protect yourself outdoors, slather or spray on a mosquito-repelling product containing picaridin or DEET and use it as directed.
Also, stick to wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers up most of your skin. It's even better to avoid being outside during peak times when mosquito activity is the highest, normally around dusk and dawn. To keep mosquitoes out of your house, keep your doors and windows closed, turn on indoor fans, and check your screens for rips or tears.
But if you don't want to regulate how much you breathe or sweat, contact a reputable pest elimination company to get rid of the mosquitoes swarming your yard.
Pro Mosquito Control Offers The Best Protection For Your Yard
If you're dealing with a mosquito infestation on your property, hiring professionals to resolve the issue is the best decision you'll ever make. Pest specialists possess the knowledge and expertise to accurately pinpoint the source of the problem and provide exceptional solutions to eradicate the invasion. They use specialized equipment and professional-grade products that aren't available for general use by the public and are much more effective than any product you can purchase in a store.
Experienced technicians not only address an existing infestation but educate customers on different steps to take to avoid the same problem happening in the future. Professionals also offer ongoing and follow-up services to ensure your property stays pest-free long-term. This may include routine inspections or treatments to address any new mosquito activity or breeding sites that may have developed since the previous service. This allows the pros to catch problems early before they have a chance to worsen.
It's not just itchy bumps or blisters you have to worry about. Because mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases that can impact your and your family's health, removing these insects from your property as quickly as possible is critical. What makes hiring professionals so worth it is the peace of mind of knowing you're in capable hands, along with all the time and effort you save. Mosquito control can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly if you have a large property or a significant mosquito crisis. Bringing professionals on board frees up your time to devote to priorities while ensuring your property is protected from the wrath of mosquitoes.
Enlisting the services of reputable professionals to help protect your property from mosquitoes is a smart investment in the health and well-being of your family. With their expertise, equipment, and ongoing services, pest experts can help to eliminate mosquito infestations and prevent future problems, creating comfortable mosquito-free surroundings.
Since 1952, Modern Pest Control has been providing high-quality pest management services that improves the lives of our residents. Don't suffer through another season of mosquitoes ruining your outdoor activities. Reach out to us today so we can schedule an appointment for your free inspection.