HOUSE MOSQUITO CONTROL BUCKS COUNTY PA
Controlling mosquitoes in Bucks County can be a frustrating process. In fact, it can be so complicated that some property owners simply come to the conclusion that there really is nothing that can be done about troublesome pests like the northern house mosquito.
That is unfortunate, because the reality is that there are many things that can be done to help minimize the population of northern house mosquitoes. For example, if property owners took a hard look at their land and the items that are on it, they might discover that there are numerous places that have standing water. These places may include low points on the property as well as yard debris piles, discarded tires, clutter that is leaning up against a building or a bird bath that has not been maintained in a long time.
Getting rid of these standing water problems can go a long way toward eliminating much of the northern house mosquito population. Of course, it may not get rid of the problem entirely. A neighbor's property may be a veritable mosquito breeding ground, and nothing will stop those mosquitoes from migrating toward adjacent land to find a meal.
When property owners feel that they have done all they can to minimize the chances of having a northern house mosquito infestation and they notice that they are still suffering from a multitude of bites, then it is time to take action.
Treatments that are performed by a licensed, knowledgeable pest control professional may be the missing piece of the puzzle. Through the services of an exterminator, it is possible to more fully enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces without being harassed by northern house mosquitoes.
WHAT DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE?
Northern house mosquitoes have long, slender legs and bodies. The body is covered in minuscule scales, and it is common for these scales to form a striped appearance, particularly on the pest's abdomen. Microscopic hairs cover the mosquito's wings, and the mouth is fitted with a long tube that makes it easier to obtain a blood meal.
WHERE DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Venture just about anywhere in the northern two-thirds of the United States, and you are bound to encounter a multitude of northern house mosquitoes. As their name also suggests, this pest frequently is found living in close proximity with people, either in or around homes and places of business in Bucks County.
Northern house mosquitoes will congregate wherever standing water can be found. A large puddle, pond or lake is a natural gathering spot, but these insects do not need a large body of water to survive. In fact, even a few drops of still water can look like an attractive place to lay eggs. This is why it is sensible to remove even small items, like bottle caps, from around outdoor places. Anything that can hold even a tiny amount of water is a prospective mosquito breeding ground.
Pet water dishes, kiddie pools, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, flowerpots and ditches all are examples of habitats in which northern house mosquitoes may thrive. It is advisable to ensure that all man-made water features are sufficiently agitated on a 24/7 basis and that the water in things like bird baths, pet water dishes and kiddie pools is emptied and changed frequently.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY NORTHERN HOUSE MOSQUITOES
These insects rarely are responsible for any property damage, but if they are being routinely encountered indoors, this is a sign that the building has gaps, cracks and other openings that are admitting pests. Some of these other pests certainly may be causing property damage.
WHAT DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES EAT?
A variety of vertebrates and mammals provide the main source of nutrition for northern house mosquitoes. That nutrition source is blood, and these pests show a distinct preference for taking this meal from human victims. When people are not around, the mosquitoes feed on birds and furry mammals. Sweet items, including plant nectar and fruit juices, are consumed in the fall by females who seek to survive the winter.
DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES BITE
Absolutely.
However, only female mosquitoes bite and draw blood from humans which is needed for the production of eggs. They inject their saliva beneath human skin using their needle-like mouth. This causes an itchy, red "bump" to appear at the site of the bite. As the mosquito withdraws human blood, the insect's body swells. It's a misnomer that the northern house mosquito dies after biting and drawing blood from its host.
ARE HOUSE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
In their quest for a blood meal, this species certainly may be regarded as aggressive. Bites may be a daily occurrence, and people who frequently visit the property may notice that the problem becomes more severe as the summer continues. This is attributable to the northern house mosquito's rapid reproductive cycle. A new generation of full-grown adults emerges just two weeks after eggs are laid. As the population of northern house mosquitoes explodes, it is impossible to avoid being bitten.
DO HOUSE MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
Some people may become insanely itchy with even a single mosquito bite. Although these bites are irritating, they generally are not dangerous.
Nonetheless, the northern house mosquito is a vector for several well-known diseases that may be transmitted with any bite. One of these is West Nile Virus. A bird that is infected with the virus may pass it to a mosquito when the insect feeds on the bird's blood. The mosquito then bites a person and transmits the virus at the same time. Many people have an asymptomatic form of this illness, but others may have rash, diarrhea, muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, fever and fatigue. Left untreated, patients may experience tremors, seizures, paralysis or coma. Some people even die of West Nile Virus.
When a mosquito bites a reptile or bird that is infected with a particular pathogen, it may later transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis to a person. Fatigue, chills, myalgia, headaches, fever and vomiting are some of the most common signs of this potentially serious illness.
Saint Louis Encephalitis also is spread by northern house mosquitoes. Most cases are asymptomatic in people, but some patients develop fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches and other troubling symptoms.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MOSQUITOES
Signs of a northern house mosquito issue include:
• Mosquito bites are a common, near-daily occurrence
• People report strange symptoms after receiving mosquito bites
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MOSQUITOES
To help keep the northern house mosquito at bay, the following precautions should be taken:
• Have low points on the property filled in
• Ensure that downspouts and gutters are free of debris
• Keep lawns mowed shorter
• Trim back excessive limbs and foliage
• Eliminate outdoor clutter
• Remove debris that may be concealing small amounts of stagnant water
• Put out pet water bowls only when in use
• Regularly replace the water in kiddie pools and bird baths
• Ensure adequate agitation in water features
HOW TO TREAT FOR MOSQUITOES
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we know that mosquitoes are much more than a mere nuisance and represent a potential health risk to you and your family. That is why we provide a thorough inspection, and then utilize only the finest professional-grade products combined with the most effective treatment methods.
To achieve the best results possible, Newtown uses a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing mosquito control for your home or business.
CONSULTATION
We first consult with our clients in order to get initial information, including general locations where mosquito activity is the heaviest or most frequently experienced.
INSPECTION
We then conduct an exterior inspection of the structure and immediate grounds for conditions that are known to be conducive for attracting/harboring mosquitoes as well as enabling them to breed.
TREATMENT
Our certified technician will then administer the appropriate treatment which will encompass a 100-foot radius around the exterior of the structure, while also focusing extra attention on resting areas and breeding grounds, including:
• Shaded areas
• Sheltered areas
• High-moisture areas
• Bushes/hedges
• Decks
• Patios
• Overhead foliage
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
