What You Need To Know About Mosquitoes
Because of the part of Maine we are in, mosquitoes are a common problem here. Our warm summers provides the perfect living conditions for these pests to thrive, so everyone needs to know about this pest and how they can reduce their populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquitoes
What are mosquitoes?
The name mosquito means "little fly" in Spanish, a fitting name for this delicate insect. With a slender body, long legs, and dainty wings, mosquitoes aren't very strong at flying and can't survive long in the hot sun before becoming dehydrated. Both male and female mosquitoes have straw-like mouths, but only females consume blood in order to produce viable eggs. Males and females both feed on plant nectar and honeydew for nutrients.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
To reproduce, females need to obtain a blood meal. When they do this, they can potentially spread dangerous diseases, including West Nile fire, dog heartworm, eastern equine encephalitis, chikungunya, and dengue fever.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Along with a blood meal, mosquitoes also need standing water to reproduce. Females can lay their eggs in only about a bottle cap amount of standing water. Because of this, residential properties usually provide plenty of breeding sites for these pests.
As mentioned above, mosquitoes can't survive long in direct sunlight, so they look for shade to hide during the hottest parts of the day. Shady areas are another factor that residential properties offer to these pests.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
You can find mosquitoes in shady areas like tall grass, foliage, under decks, sheds, garages, and play structures. And you can also find them near breeding sites that include birdbaths, old tires, ground holes, pet bowls, pools and ponds without filters, planters, tree stumps, wheelbarrows, and many other places that can catch and hold water.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
While many over-the-counter products claim to eliminate mosquitoes, they are not as effective as they lead you to believe. These products often act as a bandage for a much larger problem, so don't waste your time and money on them. Instead, look to experts for professional pest control services.
At Eastport Pest Control, we offer specialized mosquito control, which targets these pests to reduce populations on your property. Our mosquito control process happens in two parts. First, we will thoroughly inspect your yard to look for standing water, areas that hold moisture, shade, and other conducive conditions. After the inspection, we will present treatment options that include the In2Care System and a typical yard treatment. We will help you determine which method is best for you, depending on the situation in your yard.
We will work with you during every step of the process to ensure you are happy with our services, so call us at Eastport Pest Control to learn more about how we can help with mosquitoes.
How do I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
Along with ongoing professional pest control, you can assist with keeping mosquitoes away from your property by doing the following:
- Fill in ground holes.
- Don't overwater plants.
- Keep your yard maintained and cut short, including foliage.
- Store wheelbarrows, child's toys, and tools when not needed.
- Keep gutters from getting clogged and remove organic debris from your yard.
- Remove dead trees and stumps.
- Secure compost piles and keep garbage cans closed.
- Install filters in pools, ponds, and other landscaping water features.
Contact our team at Eastport Pest Control for more mosquito prevention tips!
