Regardless of the species, mosquitoes are never welcome insects in Yardley. The bites of the females are particularly itchy and irritating. Moreover, many mosquitoes are vectors for potentially serious diseases that easily are transmitted to people.
These characteristics certainly apply to the Asian tiger mosquito, one of the most difficult pest species to control in the local region. Resistant to ordinary insect sprays that are found in garden centers and other stores, the Asian tiger mosquito is adapted to thrive in just about any environment or conditions.
Fortunately, licensed pest control companies know how to get rid of this troublesome species. Using commercial strength chemicals, it is possible to stop the Asian tiger mosquito reproductive cycle. That is because exterminators not only treat adult mosquitoes but also their eggs and larvae.
Pest management professionals help property owners identify the portions of the premises that are acting as mosquito breeding grounds. Armed with this information, it is possible to make improvements that will prevent future mosquito infestations.
WHAT ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
The Asian tiger mosquito has a distinctive appearance that helps to differentiate it from the other mosquito species in this region. With a black body that is covered in white stripes and spots, it is easy to see how the Asian tiger mosquito gets its name. There also is a white stripe running longitudinally down the insect's back. Like all insects, these pests have six legs and a pair of antenna. The male's antenna are particularly bushy, which helps them to locate females for breeding purposes.
WHERE DO TIGER MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Not native to Yardley, the Asian tiger mosquito nonetheless survives very well here. With only food, water and habitat for laying eggs, this species is adapted to thrive. Eggs are laid both in lakes, ponds and puddles created by nature as well as in man-made bodies of water.
Some of those man-made opportunities include tires lying on their sides. Scientific inquiry reveals that this invasive species actually was brought to North America in a tire shipment from another continent. Discarded tires are very good at concealing small collections of water that are undisturbed for long periods of time. This makes ideal mosquito breeding ground.
Tires are not the only objects that Asian tiger mosquitoes use for egg laying. A yard debris pile or a pile of garbage both are good at concealing small puddles of water and may be used by the females. Kiddie pools, bird baths, unused flower pots and anything else that might hold water can become mosquito breeding habitat.
Because members of this species are not good at flying, they do not travel far in their lifetime. Young Asian tiger mosquitoes will stay in the same geographic location, turning small infestations into large ones seemingly overnight.
WHAT DO TIGER MOSQUITOES EAT?
Although females of the species require blood for laying eggs, this is not the mosquito's primary food source. In fact, males do not eat blood at all. The Asian tiger mosquito instead eats a combination of sweet juices and nectars from plants. With high sugar content, these substances meet most of the insects' dietary needs.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
Property damage is not likely in connection with an infestation by these pests. Nonetheless, the itchy bites are enough to convince anyone that professional pest control treatments are needed.
ARE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
Having even a small number of these mosquitoes in a concentrated area can be enormously irritating. This is because females are highly opportunistic feeders. A single female will bite the same victim several times, and if the population is large, the number of bites that a person receives quickly spirals out of control. Their bite may not be quite as irritating at the bite of other mosquito species, but the Asian tiger mosquito makes up for this by biting more frequently.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
One illness that Asian tiger mosquitoes transmit to people is Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Frequently referred to as EEE, this illness can cause long-term neurologic issues. Some cases are particularly serious, with about 30-percent of people who contract this illness dying from it.
These mosquitoes also transmit Zika virus, which manifests symptoms like red eyes, pain in the joints, rash and fever. Symptoms may become critical if they are not promptly treated.
Similarly, these mosquitoes may carry and spread West Nile virus. While some people may be infected with this virus and never show signs of it, others experience diarrhea, vomiting, aches, fever and rash. The central nervous system may be permanently damaged if treatment is not provided.
Chikungunya virus, which causes headaches, rashes and swollen joints, also is carried by Asian tiger mosquitoes. Although it typically is not deadly, these symptoms can be severe.
HOW TO DETECT TIGER MOSQUITOES
Signs of a Asian tiger mosquito presence include:
• Mosquitoes with black bodies and white stripes • Standing water that could contain mosquito egg sacs • Mosquito bites are occurring more frequently
HOW TO PREVENT TIGER MOSQUITOES
To help protect against Asian tiger mosquitoes the following steps should be taken:
• Fill in low points in the landscaping where water collects • Eliminate garbage and yard debris piles where water may be hiding • Keep lawns trimmed shorter • Cut back foliage • Keep downspouts and gutters free of debris • Ensure that outdoor water features are regularly agitated by pumps • Water in pet dishes, kiddie pools, bird baths and other water-holding receptacles should be changed frequently • Find all standing water on the grounds and look for ways to eliminate it • Seek cooperation from neighbors who may have standing water 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.
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
