If you’ve spent time outside during the summer months, you’ve likely dealt with mosquitoes at one point or another. These obnoxious pests in Opelika, AL, are difficult to completely avoid, and they are also almost universally hated because of the bites they leave behind that turn quite itchy with time.
However, while most of us know that mosquitoes are annoying, they are actually much worse than that. Mosquitoes are considered dangerous pests because they can spread many pathogens from host to host, as the females of the species drink the blood of both humans and animals.
Some Basic Facts About Mosquitoes
While you might have an idea of what mosquitoes look like, they are also commonly mistaken for other flying insects. You can identify mosquitoes by their long, thin legs and the soft buzzing sound they emit. They also have a long, nose-like appendage called a proboscis that they use to drink nectar from plants or get a blood meal.
The other important thing to know about mosquitoes is where they like to hang out. They need access to standing water, as this is where females of the species lay their eggs, so areas next to lakes or ponds will draw them in. Mosquitoes are active at dusk, and in the daytime, they will often rest in dense vegetation.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
While not all mosquito bites are going to lead to illness, there is always some risk. Mosquitoes have caused many deaths and even more cases of disease throughout the world, and they are actually the most deadly animal on the planet because of this. Mosquitoes can spread many specific illnesses including malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, and St. Louis encephalitis. They can also cause some allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
While mosquito-borne illnesses are more common in some parts of the world than others, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and do what you can do to keep mosquitoes away.
Four Ways To Prevent Mosquitoes
While it can be difficult to completely control mosquitoes around your property, there are some things you can do to make your yard less appealing to them. Here are some of the most effective mosquito control options:
- Focus first on removing any standing water from around your property as this is where mosquitos will lay their eggs. You can do this by ensuring that rainwater can drain properly.
- Also, make sure to place covers on hot tubs and pools and to treat water features with the proper chemicals.
- Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and trees, as these provide shelter for mosquitoes.
- Keep your grass mowed and your yard maintained.
- However, because mosquitoes are often widespread in certain areas, DIY preventive measures can only go so far as keeping your property mosquito-free.
The Most Effective Mosquito Control
Taking steps on your own to keep mosquitoes away is useful, but the only truly effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your Opelika property is with help from the experts at Prewett Pest Control.
We focus on providing convenient and modern residential and commercial pest control plans to keep you and others around you safe. Get started today by requesting your free quote online or just give us a call to learn more about our customizable options.