If you live in Atlanta, it’s probably a common sighting to see mosquitoes, now and again, buzzing about on your property. In this part of the country, where the weather is humid subtropical, and mosquitoes are provided with a more comfortable climate to thrive, the conditions are rife for high mosquito activity and infestation problems, especially during the summer months.
Read on to learn more about the types of mosquitoes in Atlanta and whether every mosquito is dangerous. We also provide some input on what may be attracting mosquitoes to your property and how to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them away.
What Are The Types Of Mosquitoes In Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to three of the most common species of mosquitoes in the nation:
Aedes mosquitoes, also known as Asian tiger mosquitoes
Anopheles mosquitoes, or marsh mosquitoes
Culex mosquitoes, or house mosquitoes
All three of these mosquitoes spread diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, and the West Nile virus.
Is Every Mosquito Dangerous?
There are about 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States, of which about 12 are known to transmit diseases. Unfortunately, as typical in Atlanta, all three mosquito species listed above are also linked to disease spread. Of the mosquito species that can carry bacteria, only about one in 500 are infected. However, there’s no way to tell if an infected mosquito has bitten you until after the bite. Despite being small insects, mosquitoes are responsible for millions of human fatalities worldwide each year due to the bacteria they spread.
What Attracts Mosquitoes To My Property?
Like other pests, what attracts mosquitoes to your property are the four resources they need for survival:
Food, in the form of nectar
Water, to drink as well as to lay their eggs in
Blood, which is required for female mosquitoes to lay their eggs
Cool places to take shelter
In their pursuit of these resources, the following might attract mosquitoes to your property:
An Untamed Lawn: A lawn that’s littered with fallen branches and leaves, and has overgrown plants and shrubbery, compost piles, and tall grass, provides mosquitoes with a place to hide out and take shelter. Regularly clean up your yard space to keep these pests away.
Strong-Smelling Florals: Mosquitoes are drawn to the scent of flowers—which makes sense, as it’s technically their “favorite” food. In addition to plants, this also includes candles, perfumes, air fresheners, deodorizes, room sprays, and other floral-scented items. Planting florals that don’t give off a strong smell will automatically reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property.
Standing Water: Mosquitoes need water to drink as well as to lay their eggs in—and they only need the equivalent of a bottle cap’s worth to do so! Be vigilant for pooling water in clogged gutters and drains, flowerpots or buckets, trashcan lids, tires, and grill covers, and remove birdbaths from your property.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mosquitoes And Keep Them Away?
Mosquitoes can spread disease, so it’s wise not to disrupt a scourge of them. Instead, resort to the easier, safer, and faster way; contact the local professionals at Tuxedo Mosquito Control. Tuxedo Mosquito Control is a family-owned and operated business specializing in removing mosquitoes from residential and commercial properties in Atlanta. Get back to the freedom of relaxing by the pool, grilling on your deck, and pruning your garden without the signature “buzz, buzz, buzz” of pesky mosquitoes. If you’re noticing more mosquitoes in your Atlanta yard than usual, call Tuxedo Mosquito Control today at (678) 726-1825.