Why Mosquitoes Breed In Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes prefer to live in warm, humid environments. They can lay eggs in any stagnant water, whether a pond or a puddle. Mosquito eggs can be in old tires, discarded toys, and even bottle caps filled with water. Mosquito larvae live underwater, eating microscopic organisms until they pupate. It only takes about two weeks for a mosquito to move through the stages of its life cycle from egg to adult. Because stagnant water is key to mosquitoes’ reproduction, you must work to remove any instance of it from your yard.
Why Female Mosquitoes Like To Bite
Mosquitoes in Decatur can get most of their necessary nutrients from drinking nectar. But female mosquitoes require proteins to produce and lay eggs; they can’t get that from nectar. That’s why only female mosquitoes bite: they need to feed on blood to reproduce. That’s also why male mosquitoes don’t bite—they don’t need to.
This means that only female mosquitoes pass diseases onto humans. In the United States, the mosquito-borne disease is pretty rare. However, mosquitoes sometimes pass the West Nile virus and dengue fever to humans, so it’s essential to take precautions to avoid bites.
Why Mosquitoes Are Attracted To Some People More Than Others
Mosquitoes can track body heat and carbon dioxide emissions to find a warm-blooded host. You might have noticed that you get more mosquito bites after a run because you’re breathing heavier and thus creating more carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are also attracted to natural oils on the skin, which may be more present in some people than others.
Although some evidence shows certain blood types may attract mosquitoes, it isn’t strong evidence. It’s more likely that mosquitoes can sense other things, like certain chemicals produced by the human body. Pregnant women, for example, experience many changes to their bodies that attract mosquitoes more than non-pregnant people. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark and bold colors, such as shades of red and certain foods.
Why Professional Mosquito Control Is A Great Idea For Your Yard
There are several ways to keep mosquitoes away from your yard and prevent bites.
- Get rid of standing water wherever possible
Anything in your yard that catches and holds water—such as tires, buckets, or other debris—should be emptied. If you can’t get rid of water containers, keep them clean. If you have birdbaths or outdoor pet bowls, ensure the water is changed out at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
- Use citronella
Citronella is an essential oil that deters mosquitoes. Placing diffusers or candles around your home can help repel mosquitoes, especially if they’re a problem in enclosed spaces.
- Apply mosquito repellent to yourself and your clothing
Mosquito repellents that contain picaridin or DEET are the most effective for keeping mosquitoes away from you. Applying repellents that contain these ingredients before spending time outside and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can prevent mosquitoes from biting you.
The most effective mosquito control method is calling a professional pest control company. Tuxedo Mosquito Control offers thorough treatment options. We’re the only pest control company in Georgia that offers tankless misting options for your yard. Our goal is always to keep you safe and healthy, which is why we offer various treatment options to suit your needs. We offer spraying for mosquitoes in your yard, and we’ll also treat standing water in your yard to get rid of mosquitoes. We install mosquito misting systems in yards as well. Placed wherever in your yard it’s most needed, we’ll monitor it regularly. We even offer one-time treatments for events if that’s what you need. And most importantly, we’ll keep coming back as much as is necessary for you to have a mosquito-free yard. Call Tuxedo Mosquito Control today for all your Decatur pest control needs!