People are familiar with mosquitoes and the irritating effects they may bring. Their pesky bites do not only cause itching and irritation, they can transmit several diseases. In fact, they are considered one of the most dangerous animals for their part in disease transmission. To reduce the risk of health concerns, controlling mosquitoes is a top priority. Professional pest control services use a combination of preventative measures and treatments to reduce mosquito populations. While using insect repellent can temporarily aid in mosquito control, exterminators can implement strategies that will reduce the issue on a long-term basis.
There are an estimated 80 species of mosquitoes in the Saint Cloud, Florida region. The most common are the Asian tiger mosquito, the southern house mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito, all of which are can be vectors for disease.
WHAT DO MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE?
As adults, mosquitoes are less than half an inch in size. These insects have scaled wings, narrow bodies and long legs. Asian tiger mosquitoes get their common name for the black and white color pattern on their bodies. These pests have a white stripe along the middle of their head, back and legs. Similarly, the yellow fever mosquito has a black abdomen with white horizontal bands. The southern house mosquito has a brown body rather than black, and its abdomens typically have a white band on them.
There are four different stages that mosquitoes develop through in their lifetime. During each stage, mosquitoes look different. These insects start as eggs, move into larvae, then become pupae before finally reaching the adult stage. Eggs are very small and often look like they are covered in small bumps. As larvae, mosquitoes live in water and have a large head with a worm-like body. During the pupae stage, mosquitoes grow and continue to look worm-like, however tend to be fatter. Some suggest that mosquito pupae look like commas. As adults, mosquitoes bud their wings and take on their normal characteristics.
WHERE DO MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Female mosquitoes are very attracted to moisture, as they need water to lay their eggs. Before laying her eggs, a mosquito will seek out a still water source. After landing on the surface of the water, she will deposit her eggs. Typically, a female mosquito lays between 100 to 200 eggs at a time. Typically, eggs will hatch within several days. In general, mosquitoes are attracted to damp and warm areas, standing water and dark places. These preferences may tropical and humid climates appealing. Mosquitoes are not active in temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and their wings become harder to use in temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. Forests, marshes and grassy areas are all normal habitats for mosquitoes. Most of these pests will remain in moist areas during the day and come out to feed after sundown.
Infestations are common near water. Stagnant ponds and rivers serve as ideal spaces for breeding and laying mosquito eggs. However, smaller water sources are also common habitats. Flowerpots, birdbaths and even gutters can all serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
WHAT DO MOSQUITOES EAT?
While most people think of mosquitoes as blood eaters, they also feed on nectar and juices. These are typically found within the sap from flowers and plants. These food sources give male and female mosquitoes energy to fly. Nectar sources are the main diet for male mosquitoes.
Female mosquitoes, however, require blood to develop their eggs. They will locate a host by sensing carbon dioxide. Humans and animals both produce carbon dioxide and can serve as hosts for female mosquitoes. Once a host is located, female mosquitoes will probe the skin of the host and suck a small amount of blood. This is called the blood meal. Surprisingly, mosquitoes first inject the skin with a numbing agent found in its saliva. This keeps the host from noticing the bite. Most female mosquitoes will only take in around five microliters of blood in their blood meal. Over the course of several days, the female will digest the blood and start the process of laying her eggs.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY MOSQUITOES
While mosquitoes are a nuisance, they are not known to cause damage to homes, buildings or office spaces. Structural damage and home concerns are not normal, as mosquitoes do not chew on home materials like some other pests.
ARE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
Mosquitoes are aggressive in that they bite people around them. In Saint Cloud, the Asian tiger mosquito is known as an aggressive biter, frequently targeting the feet and ankles of humans. Female mosquitoes exhibit aggression when they are seeking a host for blood meals. The time of day often impacts the level of aggression in these insects. For the most part, Asian tiger mosquitoes are active during the day, while the southern house mosquito is active at night. Typically, the southern house mosquito will become aggressive and seek out food sources at dawn and dusk. The hours just after sundown are particularly common for these mosquitoes to bite.
DO MOSQUITOES CARRY DISEASE?
To some, mosquito bites are the main annoyance associated with these pests. While itchy bites may seem harmless, mosquito bites can pose a serious threat to human health. These pests are known to transmit many deadly diseases, including dengue fever, Zika virus and West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are responsible for many deaths each year.
The southern house mosquito is a vector of West Nile virus, which can cause severe illness and death in some. When the infection is severe, West Nile virus causes symptoms such as high fever, paralysis and seizures and can even trigger some to enter a comatose state. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or medications for treating West Nile virus.
Dengue fever and the Zika virus are both transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito. As a viral infection, dengue fever causes flu-like symptoms. In some, the illness goes unnoticed. However, in many, the virus causes fever and body aches and can even have an accompanying rash. Zika virus commonly causes joint pain, headache and muscle aches. This virus is especially concerning for pregnant individuals. If contracted during pregnancy, the Zika virus can cause severe birth defects. As with dengue fever, the Zika virus does not have any specific treatment.
HOW TO DETECT MOSQUITOES
These signs may indicate a mosquito control problem:
• A frequent, high-pitched buzzing sound outside the home or building • An increase in mosquito bites when outside • Outdoor areas have standing water that may create a breeding ground for mosquitoes • Mosquitoes are seen flying around the building • Hovering mosquitoes over fruit or other sweet foods inside
HOW TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES
To help avoid mosquito control issues, the following steps should be taken:
• Remove any sources of standing water • Ensure gutters are cleared to allow for proper drainage • Clean debris, such as leaf piles or decayed wood, in yards and landscapes • Install screens in windows to keep mosquitoes from coming indoors • Find a licensed area pest control company to eliminate infestations and prevent future issues
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.
