Mosquitoes typically arrive in Georgia in late March or early April. Most people see these pests as a nuisance and their bites as nothing more than an annoyance. However, mosquito bites can be dangerous. Knowing which mosquitoes are near your home, why they're dangerous, and how to avoid them will keep you safe. Read on to learn more about mosquitoes and how Tuxedo Pest Control, an East Cobb mosquito control company, can protect you.
The Three Types Of Mosquitoes Common In East Cobb
Georgia is home to 63 types of mosquitoes, but only 10 to 12 species affect people in our area. While you're unlikely to encounter most of these species, three are common in East Cobb. The mosquitoes you're most likely to see around your house include:
- Asian tiger mosquitoes: These mosquitoes have white and black striped bodies and legs and measure 1/8 of an inch.
- Anopheles mosquitoes: These pests are 3/16 of an inch and black to dark brown.
- Culex mosquitoes: The largest of the three species, culex mosquitoes are 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch and gray with iridescent white, silver, green, or blue scales.
Given the size of these pests and the speed at which they move, you'll unlikely be able to tell the difference between them. However, the problems they cause are similar, so you don't need to know which species is around your home. When you see these pests, call for professional pest control to get rid of mosquitoes in your East Cobb home.
Why Mosquitoes Are Considered So Dangerous
Many people consider mosquitoes to be little more than a nuisance. They might bite you occasionally, but they don't cause serious trouble. While this is true with most mosquitoes, some can be dangerous because their bites can transmit illnesses to people.
Some common diseases you can get from mosquitoes include:
- West Nile virus
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Encephalitis
- Tularemia
Additionally, some people are allergic to mosquito saliva. As a result, mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions, resulting in skin irritation and appearing as itchy red bumps.
Unfortunately, the three common mosquitoes in East Cobb are among those that can spread illnesses. Dependable pest control companies can protect you with misting and spraying services that will eliminate these dangerous pests.
Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Home
Mosquitoes in East Cobb are attracted to areas where they can hide and feed. They consume human blood and nectar, so people and plants are desirable. Misting or spraying an area with mosquitoes is the best way to keep them away. However, you can also circumvent mosquitoes by avoiding attractants. Some common mosquito attractants include:
- Dark clothing: Mosquitoes have poor eyesight, and dark clothing appears as shadows where they can hide.
- Carbon dioxide: Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from 120 feet away, telling them people are nearby.
- Floral fragrances: Perfumes, soaps, lotions, and hair-care products smell like flowers, drawing in mosquitoes.
Tricks to keep mosquitoes away include wearing light-colored clothing and covering your skin. However, these tips won't always keep them from biting you. When mosquitoes are around your home, call professional mosquito control to keep them away.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Mosquito Infestation
While most mosquitoes are no more than a nuisance, some can spread serious illnesses to people. There are things you can do to avoid attracting these pests, but they won't always work. Tuxedo Mosquito Control's MistAway mosquito misting systems protect your property and keep you safe. Our automated system sprays for mosquitoes two to three times a day, enabling you to kill all mosquitoes without doing anything. Call us today for a free estimate and to learn more about our residential and commercial mosquito services in East Cobb.