An invasive species that was accidentally imported, the Asian tiger mosquito is a major concern for Levittown property owners. This is especially the case because mosquitoes are notoriously difficult to control once they invade.
The good news is that it is possible for property owners to make changes around the premises that can severely limit the number of Asian tiger mosquitoes. Unfortunately, these measures are not always enough to eliminate the problem.
When Asian tiger mosquitoes are present in great numbers, the most sensible approach is to contact a pest management professional. They have access to specialized products that make pest control safe, efficient and effective. This is particularly critical in the case of Asian tiger mosquitoes because these pests also can spread illnesses to people, some of which can be incredibly serious.
Too often, people believe that mosquitoes are an inevitable problem that cannot be controlled. This absolutely is not the case. Property owners and pest control technicians can work together to minimize Asian tiger mosquito populations.
WHAT ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
Asian tiger mosquitoes get their name from the black and white stripes on their bodies and legs. A longitudinal white stripe also runs down the head and back of the insect. Males and females look nearly identical. Both are about one-quarter of an inch long, have six legs and one pair of antenna. However, the male's antenna are broader, a specialization that helps them find breeding females.
WHERE DO TIGER MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Although Asian tiger mosquitoes are not native to Levittown, they are the ultimate survivors. Adapting to life in North America has been no challenge to this resilient species.
In fact, Asian tiger mosquitoes have few hard and fast habitat requirements. The main thing they look for is stagnant water, which is ideal for laying eggs. Members of the species tend not to venture far from where they are hatched because they are not strong fliers. Accordingly, it is possible for many generations of Asian tiger mosquitoes to live in the same area, with each successive generation being larger than the last.
Almost any still body of water will suffice as a nursery for the Asian tiger mosquito. A puddle, pond or lake is ideal, but even small accumulations of water in an unused flower pot or an overturned bottle cap may be enough for laying some eggs. Discarded tires are another place that is likely to conceal water and mosquito eggs.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ASAIN TIGER MOSQUITOES
This is not a destructive species. They leave property alone, but their presence and irritating bites can make people terribly uncomfortable.
WHAT DO TIGER MOSQUITOES EAT?
Asian tiger mosquitoes frequently are seen hovering around flowering plants and trees. This is because their diet consists mainly of juice and nectar. It is only the female that bites people to obtain a blood meal. She does so for reproductive purposes.
This preference for sweet foods also may cause Asian tiger mosquitoes to gather around picnic tables and barbecue grills. Any food that contains sugar, including desserts and condiments, will draw mosquitoes.
ARE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
Although small, the Asian tiger mosquito can seem incredibly aggressive. Only the females bite, but they may do so numerous times to get the blood that they require for reproductive purposes.
When a large population of these pests is concentrated in a single area, it is common for people to feel that they cannot escape their bites. The itching is bad enough, but the potential for making people sick is frequently what motivates property owners to seek professional mosquito control.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Perhaps the most recognizable disease that is spread by Asian tiger mosquitoes is the West Nile virus. Outbreaks of this illness have been reported in the media in recent years, and some people have gotten very sick after infection. Other people are infected with West Nile virus but never exhibit symptoms. Anyone who is bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito and then experiences fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a rash and overall aches and pains may be infected with West Nile virus.
Zika virus is another disease that Asian tiger mosquitoes may spread. With red eyes, swollen and achy joints, rash and fever, Zika virus can cause even more serious complications if it is not promptly treated.
Yet another illness that Asian tiger mosquitoes spread is Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Also known as EEE, this disease can cause neurologic complications that cannot be remedied. People who are bitten by a mosquito and then begin exhibiting unusual symptoms are encouraged to seek medical care as approximately 30 percent of those infected with EEE die from the infection.
HOW TO DETECT TIGER MOSQUITOES
Signs of an Asian tiger mosquito infestation:
• Many black and white striped flying insects on the premises • Several people routinely suffering mosquito bites • Stagnant bodies of water have egg sacs in them • People report strange symptoms of illness after being bitten
HOW TO PREVENT TIGER MOSQUITO BITES
To help prevent issues with Asian tiger mosquitoes the following steps should be taken:
• Fixing standing water issues • Getting rid of outdoor clutter that may be hiding water • Adding pumps to ponds to move the water • Making a habit of changing water in bird baths and wading pools • Putting out pet water bowls on an intermittent basis • Trimming excess foliage • Keeping downspouts and gutters free of debris
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
