Mosquitoes in Atlanta are a pest that most people are aware of because of the itchy bites they leave behind. They are one of the most frustrating and hated pests in Atlanta, Georgia, and no one wants to deal with them.
Plus, mosquitoes are also an extremely dangerous pest because they can transmit so many illnesses including the Zika virus, malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus. This ability to spread sickness makes them one of the deadliest animals in the world.
However, while most people know mosquitoes are annoying and potentially dangerous, there are also many myths surrounding these pests. In this guide, you’ll learn the truth about mosquitoes including getting helpful information on how to prevent and control them.
What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?
First of all, it’s important to know what mosquitoes look like as they are sometimes mistaken for other flying insects like crane flies. Mosquitoes are usually a grayish color, and they have extremely thin legs and long, narrow bodies.
One of the best ways to tell them apart from other species is by the long appendage they have coming out of their faces. This needle-like structure, called a proboscis, is used to drink blood as well as nectar.
Myth: All Mosquitoes Bite.
Fact: It’s actually only the females of the species that bite. This is because they require proteins found in the blood to reproduce and lay their eggs. The males of the species only drink nectar. And, many species of mosquito don’t bite humans at all.
Myth: People With Fair Skin Are More Likely To Be Bitten.
Fact: Mosquito bites can look more obvious on lighter skin as the redness from itching can show up more. However, skin color has nothing to do with the risk of bites. That said, some factors such as blood type and being pregnant can increase the risk of bites.
Myth: All Mosquitoes Carry Disease.
Fact: Luckily, it’s only a rather small percentage of mosquitoes that carry and transmit illnesses. However, there is always some risk there. Generally, if you get bitten you shouldn’t expect to end up with a serious illness. It’s also true that some areas of the world deal with more mosquito-borne illnesses than others. While not as common, even in the United States mosquito-transmitted illnesses do occur.
Myth: Attracting Bats To Your Property Can Prevent Mosquitoes.
Fact: While bats do eat mosquitoes, mosquitoes only make up a small percentage of their diet. They prefer to eat species such as beetles, cicadas, and moths. Plus, bats can bring along with them their own problem for homeowners as their droppings, known as guano, can be dangerous. Other mosquito prevention measures are much more effective and safer.
The Most Important Fact About Mosquitoes
The most effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your Atlanta property is with help from the experts at Tuxedo Mosquito Control. We specialize in mosquito prevention and eradication, and we provide ongoing residential and commercial services. We even offer mosquito misting systems that offer easy, perpetual mosquito prevention.
Find out more about our mosquito control solutions in Atlanta by giving us a call or sending us a message online today. We even offer free quotes, so it’s easy to get started.