Mosquitoes
What are mosquitoes?
Nothing ruins a beautiful sunny day outside than being attacked by biting mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes have an appetite for blood and will feed on any person or animal they come across. In order to feed, mosquitoes use a specialized mouthpart (proboscis) to suck up liquids. The mosquito’s main source of food is plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes consume blood meals to create healthy, viable eggs. Mosquitoes have two scale-covered wings, a narrow oval-shaped body, antennae, and long, thin legs that hang down when flying. Mosquitoes around Costa Mesa are small in size, growing to between five-eighths and one-half an inch in length.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
If you have ever slapped a mosquito that has landed on your arm, you know how easy it is to squish them. But, despite their fragile nature, mosquitoes are one of the world’s most dangerous pests. The many diseases mosquitoes spread worldwide (mostly in developing and tropical countries) are responsible for a million deaths each year.
In the United States, mosquitoes spread diseases like West Nile Virus, encephalitis, and more. Mosquitoes are also responsible for infecting our dogs and cats with parasitic heartworms, which can be fatal.
In addition to the diseases that mosquitoes spread, these insects are responsible for delivering bites that leave behind raised red welts that itch. Excessive scratching of the bite sites may lead to an infection requiring medical attention. Also, swarms of mosquitoes living in our yards make it difficult for people to enjoy their outdoor space. Nobody can enjoy eating dinner on the deck while mosquitoes are attacking them!
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
The following conditions on or close to your property are likely the reason you have a problem with mosquitoes:
- Clogged drainage ditches
- Pools and ponds
- Wooded areas or fields
- Over-watered gardens
- Dense vegetation
- Tall grass and overgrown shrubbery
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of areas of standing water. Mosquitoes will utilize water in a large ornamental pond just as easily as water pooled on a soda can as a breeding site. When the temperatures are hottest during the middle of the day, mosquitoes like to rest in grass, vegetation, and in areas under trees and decks.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are most active during the summer months when the temperature is above 80 degrees. On a day to day basis, mosquitoes are most active at dusk or dawn when the temperatures are cooler. Biting mosquitoes can find and bite you when spending time in your yard, in wooded areas, fields, parks, or at any outdoor event.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
The smartest way to reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property is to partner with Smart Pest Control. We deliver pest control services in Costa Mesa that are comprehensive and detailed, making sure we get to the root of your pest problem and solve it completely.
To learn more about how our locally owned company will protect your property from pests, reach out to Smart Pest Control today. We can work together to ensure your Costa Mesa home or business becomes and stays free of pests, we guarantee it! Call today to learn more about our mosquito control solutions!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
The professionals at Smart Pest Control can help you prevent problems with mosquitoes and other pests. In addition, use the following tips to help prevent future problems with mosquitoes.
- Get rid of any standing water from your property.
- Store containers that collect water upside down when not in use.
- Remove tree stumps from your lawn that collect water.
- Repair areas in your yard or driveway that allow rainwater to pool.
- Keep gutters clear of debris.
- Clean up clutter like brush piles, woodpiles, overgrown shrubbery, and tall grass where mosquitoes could hide when resting during the day's heat.
- When spending time outside, limit mosquitoes bites by wearing a mosquitoes repellent.
- Place tight-fitting screens in open windows and doors to keep mosquitoes and other flying pests out of your home. Screens allow you to enjoy a breeze while keeping mosquitoes and other insects out!