The Role Mosquitoes Play In The Ecosystem
If you’ve lived in Decatur during the warmer months of the year, you are probably familiar with their appearance and general approach. Typically they range about 1/6 to 1/3 inch in length, with six skinny legs and their well-defined proboscis which they use for two purposes: to collect pollen from plants and to suck blood from animals. Only female mosquitoes bite, sucking blood as a means of feeding their eggs.
While mosquitoes are simply an annoyance to humans, they play a vital role in the ecosystem in two significant ways. First, they are pollinators. They consume nectar and transfer pollen, which helps fertilize plants. Second, they are a food source for many creatures. Since they spend most of their lives in pools of standing water, they most often serve as food for aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, like fish, frogs, and birds.
However, while they are a necessary part of the ecosystem, that does not stop them from presenting serious problems for humans worldwide. In fact, they are one of the most deadly animals on earth, responsible for spreading numerous dangerous diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus, dengue, and more. This makes them ultimately a positive and a negative effect on the environment.
Mosquitoes Can Create Many Problems Around Your Yard
Mosquitoes cause a number of problems around the yards they infest. The first is their presence alone: between their annoying buzzing and their itchy bites, they can quickly ruin any pool parties, barbeques, or outdoor functions you have.
If the red, itchy bites and the potential diseases they carry weren’t enough, it’s also important to keep their place in the ecosystem in mind. Mosquitoes serve as food for other animals, so their presence in your yard can attract any pests in the area to your yard, causing more problems in the process.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Yard
Now that you know the problems they cause, it’s time to start taking steps to minimize your risk for attracting mosquitoes to your yard.
As always, the most important rule to remember when it comes to mosquitoes is that they need stagnant water to propagate, so you need to remove any sources of standing water from your yard if you want to stop them from getting a foothold. Here are some tips to help in this regard:
- Clean and run the water in your pool or any water fountains regularly
- Mow the lawn often
- Keep your gutters clear of any debris and ensure they’re draining properly
- Don’t leave pet water bowls out
- Keep your yard free of toys, tires, trash, and other debris that could collect water
- Remove any other pests from your property that mosquitoes could be feeding on
While these steps can go a long way toward minimizing your risk, it’s also important to remember that, in Decatur, mosquitoes can sometimes be impossible to avoid no matter what you do. If you’ve taken every precaution and are still experiencing mosquitoes, the best solution is always to call a mosquito control professional for help.
Professional Assistance Is The Best Mosquito Management Solution
Safe and effective ways to repel mosquitoes that won’t hurt your budget exist. We at Tuxedo Mosquito Control can provide all of this. Our highly trained technicians will conduct a thorough inspection to identify harborage areas and other susceptibilities. Then, they will install our MistAway Gen III+ misting system, a tankless and automated device that will put low-risk insecticide on your landscaping. Mosquitoes can die with two or three timed sprays, and, as a bonus, a perimeter barrier will be formed due to the process. Recurring spray visits or one-time event treatments are available too. Receive a free quote when you call us today!