Mosquitoes are a fact of life in most parts of the world, including right here in Auburn. They are annoying, leave itchy bites, and can even transmit diseases. These bothersome bugs can make it impossible to enjoy the outdoors, but you don’t have to put up with them in your own backyard anymore. Continue reading to learn what everyone in Auburn should know about these pests, including the best way to control mosquitoes.
Why Do We Need Mosquito Control?
Mosquitoes are typically active between April and October in Alabama. For more than half the year, mosquitoes are buzzing, biting, and making us miserable. This can keep us from enjoying our backyards and hosting outdoor events. Mosquitoes are pretty difficult to ignore and can quickly ruin a party. The bites they leave in their wake can have you itching for days.
Aside from being a buzzkill, mosquitoes can also be dangerous. While some species are harmless nuisance mosquitoes, different mosquitoes can spread diseases. When these mosquitoes are infected with a virus or parasite, the germs can be passed to humans through their bites.
In the United States, these diseases include the West Nile virus, chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and encephalitis. All of these illnesses are serious and can warrant hospitalization. In severe cases, mosquito-borne illnesses can even be fatal. In fact, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control
Humans have been experimenting with ways to get rid of mosquitoes for centuries. Native Americans used plants like rosemary, catnip, and citronella to ward off mosquitoes. The federal government has also played a large role in mosquito control. In the 1920s, a pesticide called Paris Green was developed to reduce mosquito larvae in the swamps of the southern United States.
Later on, DDT was developed and widely used for mosquito control across the country. After discovering that this toxic chemical was a carcinogen that caused illnesses in animals and humans, DDT was banned from use in the U.S. in 1972.
The mosquito control of today is much less harmful than the pesticides of the past. Advances in science and technology have produced safer, more effective methods of eliminating and repelling mosquitoes. These solutions have also become more accessible to homeowners due to the rise of residential mosquito control services.
Why Do Mosquitoes Need Blood To Live?
It’s a common misconception that mosquitoes subsist entirely on blood. In fact, the main food source for mosquitoes is flower nectar. Like bees and butterflies, mosquitoes are pollinators that drink flower nectar and fertilize plants in the process. Male mosquitoes actually don’t drink blood at all, while female mosquitoes drink both flower nectar and blood.
The reason females drink blood is for egg production; animal and human blood contains proteins needed for female mosquitoes to reproduce successfully. When a female mosquito bites you, its proboscis, or mouthpart, pierces your skin and injects saliva into your bloodstream. Your immune system identifies the mosquito saliva as an allergen, sending histamine to the bite site. This is what causes mosquito bites to become red, itchy, and swollen.
Mosquitoes not only cause itchy bites, but they can also infect you with serious diseases. Try these tips to keep mosquitoes out of your yard and protect yourself from mosquitoes:
- Remove mosquito breeding areas. Dump out any water-filled containers, change birdbath water frequently, etc.
- Use fans outdoors to keep mosquitoes away.
- Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes outdoors.
- Use insect repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting you.
These measures can help reduce the mosquito populations on your property. For the most effective solutions, contact a local mosquito control service.
The Key To Quality Mosquito Control
Mosquito control is at its most effective when undertaken by trained professionals. To rid your yard of mosquitoes, contact the pros at Prewett Pest Control & Termite. Prewett Pest Control & Termite provides quality pest control in Auburn. Our modern approach to pest control provides a customer experience that is convenient, efficient, and effective.
If mosquitoes are out of control in your yard, we are here to help. While it isn’t possible to completely eradicate mosquitoes on your property, we can reduce their populations in your yard by up to 80%. If you do not feel that this has been achieved after our first treatment, we will return to re-treat your property at no additional charge. To keep mosquito levels low all year round, we also provide a monthly mosquito control service.
Mosquitoes are annoying and dangerous pests that will take over your yard. This year, get relief from mosquitoes with effective service from Prewett Pest Control in Daphne, Fairhope, Orange Beach, Foley, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for your free inspection.