MOSQUITOES

Scientific Name: Culicidae

Lifespan: Between 10 and 100 days

Problem: Itchy bites, rapid breeding.

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Mosquitoes thrive best in tropical weather, but are also found throughout the US. Many species rest during the day in dense vegetation such as tall grass, weeds, and shrubs. Some mosquitoes lay eggs in water, while others lay eggs in moist soil.

 

In order to breed, mosquitoes need water. They can breed in any standing water, but are particularly drawn to standing water with lots of organic debris. Nasty water is a common place to find mosquito larvae. When looking for standing water, remember that just a few ounces of water can produce a significant number of mosquitoes, and it takes as little as a tablespoon of water to start the process.

 

Recommend that customers eliminate all sources of standing or stagnant water by emptying water-holding items like trash can lids, spare tires, and tarps. Water in planters, bird baths, and pet dishes should be routinely refreshed. Rain barrels should be covered with screens, ditches and gutters kept clear, and swimming pools should be treated regularly.

 

While removing standing water is a useful first step in reducing mosquito populations, it by itself does not solve the problem. Mosquitoes can easily breed next door in the neighbor’s yard, or further down the street. Adult mosquitoes are likely to invade regardless of the breeding suitability of the area.

 

Mosquitoes are responsible for disease transmission. West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, and Zika are all illnesses that are spread by these pests. All of these illnesses bring serious symptoms and may even be fatal. And even if a mosquito does not carry a disease, it may still cause personal harm. Mosquito bites often become itchy, red, and swollen, and if a person is allergic, a severe reaction may occur or an infection may set in.

 

Routine monthly mosquito services are best started in March or April and last until September or October. All mosquito services are conducted outside. The Mosquito service is usually scheduled for ANYTIME. Scheduled appointments are usually only required if there are pets in the yard or if only a portion of the yard is accessible (locked gate, etc.).

 

Females of all mosquito species typically bite during the daytime. Asian tiger mosquito bites are not necessarily painful, but they can leave an itchy, red bump on the skin. Males typically do not bite and primarily feed on plant nectar.

 

MOSQUITO TRIVIA

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• Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals because of the diseases that they are known to spread. They are known as “vectors” for several harmful diseases such as Malaria, Zika and Dengue. It is believed that as a result of this, mosquitoes are responsible for about 1 million deaths every year!

• Our pets are also at risk from the threat of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry heartworm disease which can seriously affect the health of your pet, and can even kill dogs.

• According to the American Mosquito Control Association, there are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes throughout the world. West Virginia has the fewest species, with 26. There are about 60 different species in Ohio. Florida has 80 and Texas has the most with 85.

• Mosquitoes are attracted to the body chemistry of some people over others. Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of body heat, odor, the carbon dioxide that humans and animals emit when they breathe, and lactic acid, an element found in sweat.

• Mosquitoes are much more active when the moon is full. A full moon can actually increase mosquito activity by up to 500 percent. This is because mosquitoes use visual cues to find their next meal, which is easier to do when the moon is full.

• Those who breathe more, including larger people, pregnant women and physical exertion in the yard are even more attractive, as are active or fidgety people. Body heat can also lead to mosquito bites. Mosquitoes use heat sensors around their mouthparts to detect the warmth of your body.

• Only female mosquitoes bite – the protein and other compounds in your blood provide mosquitoes with a feast that is essential to help them produce and develop their eggs. They can drink up to three times their weight in blood. On the other hand, male mosquitoes only feed on plant juices.

• The average mosquito has a relatively short life-span – they live less than two months. Males live 10 days or less while females can live up to eight weeks.

• When it comes to flying, mosquitoes are one of the slowest insects, flying only at 1 to 1.5 miles per hour (compared to the honeybee, which flies up to 15 miles per hour).

• Mosquitoes also can’t fly very far – most fly no more than one to three miles, and often stay within several hundred feet of where they were hatched. They generally fly below 25 feet, but some species have also been found at heights of up to 8,000 feet.

• Water is essential for breeding. A female mosquito must deposit her eggs in water, and they develop very quickly. It only takes a tablespoon or more of water, so any standing water found in your yard or on the property should be regularly dumped.

• Female mosquitoes can lay up to 300 eggs at a time. Usually, the eggs are deposited in clusters on the surface of stagnant water, or they are laid in areas that flood regularly. Female mosquitoes will lay eggs up to three times before they die.

• Mosquitoes don’t have teeth. A female mosquito will “bite” with a long, pointed mouthpart called a proboscis. They use the serrated proboscis to pierce the skin. While one tube in the proboscis draws blood, the second pumps in saliva containing a mild painkiller and an anti-coagulant.

• The bumps from mosquito bites are caused by their saliva. Most people have minor allergic reactions to the saliva, causing the area around the bite to swell and itch.