The Three Types Of Mosquitoes Common In Dunwoody
We don't know how long mosquitoes in Georgia have been around, but explorer records from the early 1700s refer to these biting insects. Worldwide, there are over 2,500 mosquito species, and approximately 200 are in the United States. In the Dunwoody area, three mosquito species cause the most problems.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are common in our area and are busy biting people throughout the day. Asian tiger mosquitoes have black bodies with white markings. Like tigers, these mosquitoes pursue their prey and will follow you inside your house as they chase you for their next blood meal. Asian tiger mosquitoes use any container, even as small as a bottle cap, that has water in it to breed.
Anopheles mosquitoes are common in our area. Ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers are areas anopheles mosquitoes use for breeding. Of the mosquito species that bite, only female mosquitoes bite humans; anopheles mosquitoes females fly in swarms around dust to search for blood.
Culex mosquitoes are identifiable by blue, green, white, or silver rainbowy scales on their brown bodies. This mosquito species stay in forests and woodlands during the day and flies into other areas at dusk and night to feed. When a female culex mosquito lays eggs, she lays them in human-made containers or ponds, ditches, and rainwater seepage areas, forming a raft.
The Infectious Diseases Mosquitoes Can Spread
Female mosquitoes feed on blood from humans, birds, reptiles, cattle, and other animals, and if those animals have a virus or parasitic worm, the mosquito may contract it. Later, when the mosquito feeds again, it will pass the disease-causing organism onto its new host and spread the disease to them.
West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, encephalitis, and tularemia are diseases caused by mosquitoes in Georiga. Anopheles mosquitoes spread malaria, and although there is a strong association between mosquitoes and malaria, it is a treatable disease in our country. Perhaps the most common disease from mosquitoes in Georgia is the West Nile virus spread by the culex mosquitoes.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Property
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to do the following:
- Remove all items that collect water.
- Prune trees and shrubs to allow for airflow and maximum sunlight.
- Clean debris from gutters.
- Provide proper drainage to ditches.
- Fill in low-lying areas where water collects.
- Turn over child's pools.
- Change bird bath water frequently.
- Install sprinklers in the pond or retention pond.
- Remove debris from the yard.
When you keep the area around your Dunwoody property dry and clean, you discourage mosquito breeding and the mosquito population.
The Best Mosquito Control Solution For Dunwoody Properties
In addition to the prevention tips, you need the services of Tuxedo Mosquito Control. Our strategically placed mosquito misting devices provide constant protection from mosquitoes by killing the existing population and providing a barrier against incoming mosquitoes. Contact us today and start protecting your family from mosquitoes on your Dunwoody property.