HOUSE MOSQUITO CONTROL FEASTERVILLE PA
The climate in Feasterville is a perfect habitat for the northern house mosquito. In fact, this is one of the most plentiful pests across about two thirds of the United States.
With their numbers so large and their ability to multiply so great, it is no surprise that owners of residential and commercial properties are anxious to learn more about controlling northern house mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, mosquito control is not easy. Even if the owner of one property does their utmost, neighbors in adjoining properties may do nothing to stem the tide of mosquitoes. Still, property owners who enact measures that are aimed at minimizing the mosquito population typically find that they are far more comfortable both outdoors and indoors when compared with their neighbors.
Why are northern house mosquitoes so common? Females hide themselves in dark, frequently damp places like basements, caves or culverts in the winter. The arrival of spring signals them to emerge and mate. Egg laying begins soon afterward. The female can lay eggs in any body of water whether large or small. Even a fallen leaf with a small collection of water will serve, and mosquito larvae are just as likely to be found in ponds, wading pools for children and bird baths.
Within two weeks of laying eggs, the new generation emerges and begins the life cycle again. This cycle is repeated constantly throughout the summer. If the conditions that attract and facilitate northern house mosquito reproduction are not identified and fixed, the population explodes.
The itchy bite of the northern house mosquito may transmit diseases as well, which means that taking action is imperative to the health and safety of the property's human occupants.
WHAT HOUSE MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
The body of the northern house mosquito is covered in tiny scales. On the abdomen, members of this species appear striped thanks to the bands of lighter and darker brown scales. Like other mosquitoes, this species has hairy wings and long, thin bodies. The legs also are long and slender while the mouthparts feature an elongated tube that facilitates eating.
WHERE DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES LIVE?
This pest is common in Feasterville as well as across the northern two thirds of the United States. They can be found congregating around water as this provides the habitat necessary for laying eggs. Some areas in which northern house mosquitoes are likely to be found include catch basins, clogged rain gutters, ditches, puddles, flowerpots, ponds and bird baths. Discarded tires are frequent mosquito breeding grounds as are piles of yard debris that hide small collections of water. Any water features that are not adequately agitated on a regular basis can host huge mosquito populations. Low points in yards or other areas where water collects may have issues with mosquitoes.
WHAT DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES EAT?
Blood from mammals and other vertebrates is the preferred food of the northern house mosquito. Human blood frequently is favored, but these mosquitoes also feed heavily on the blood of birds, in particular the dove and pigeon. To survive the winter, females will eat plant nectar and other sweet foods in the fall.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY NORTHERN HOUSE MOSQUITOES
Members of this species are better known for making people ill than they are for causing property damage. If northern house mosquitoes are found inside residential or commercial structures, it is a good idea to have an exterminator evaluate the building to find ways to make it pest-proof.
ARE HOUSE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
When mosquito populations are large, it is easy for them to seem like an inordinately aggressive species. Their population grows rapidly when conditions are optimal, which is common in the local region. This means that the large population of pests will need frequent blood meals. In consequence, it is common for people who routinely visit a property with an infestation to feel that the northern house mosquito is aggressive.
DO HOUSE MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
When northern house mosquito populations are out of control, people are at far greater risk of developing a serious illness. West Nile Virus is one disease for which these pests are known to be vectors. Typically, mosquitoes pick up the virus by biting an infected bird. When the mosquito then seeks a blood meal from a person, the virus is transmitted. In humans, asymptomatic cases of West Nile Virus are common, but people alternatively may experience extreme fatigue, muscular pains, rash, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, nausea and headache. If West Nile Virus is not promptly treated, then paralysis, seizures, tremors, coma and death may occur.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is another disease that is spread by northern house mosquitoes. Generally carried by birds and reptiles, the mosquito acquires this illness from biting an infected animal, and then spreads it to a human victim. People who are infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis may suffer from vomiting, fever, headaches, myalgia, chills and fatigue.
Northern house mosquitoes further may spread an illness known as Saint Louis Encephalitis. Once again, mosquitoes pick up this illness from infected birds. Cases in people tend to be asymptomatic, but other people develop headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MOSQUITOES
Signs of a mosquito problem include:
• Experiencing many mosquito bites on a daily basis is a common occurrence
• People report strange illnesses after being bitten by mosquitoes
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MOSQUITOES
To help prevent northern house mosquito issues the following precautions should be taken:
• Removing old tires, flower pots and other sources of standing water
• Improving drainage in landscaping
• Filling in low-lying areas of the landscaping that are more likely to hold excess water
• Regularly changing the water used in pet bowls and bird baths
• Getting rid of yard debris piles that may trap water
• Ensuring that man-made water features like swimming pools have adequately circulated water
• Keeping debris out of downspouts and gutters
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.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
