Mosquito Identification & Prevention
What are mosquitoes?
Biting pesky flies that take over our summers, mosquitoes are pests that we all encounter at some point or another when trying to enjoy ourselves outside. These insects have small bodies, long thin legs, and feather-like antennae. Like other flies, they only have one pair of wings.
The most important physical feature of a mosquito is its elongated, sharp, sucking mouthpart, the proboscis, which allows both males and females to feed on liquids. Females and males feed on plant nectar as their primary food sources. Females also feed on the blood of animals and people as a requirement to produce healthy eggs. Professional mosquito control is a great way to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito-borne illnesses; call today and find out if you live in one of our pest control service areas.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Though they don't have large claws or sharp teeth, mosquitoes are among the world's most dangerous creatures. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of many hosts throughout their lives, giving them the unique ability to be vectors of many diseases that can make both people and animals sick.
Through blood, mosquitoes spread pathogens that cause things like West Nile Virus, chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria. Mosquitoes can quickly infect populations across the world with diseases that cause significant illnesses and even death.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
After new mosquitoes hatch and develop into adults, they can travel some distance, but most prefer to stay in the same area. Females can lay their eggs in almost any amount of standing water, meaning that mosquitoes can become a problem on any property.
Examples of mosquito breeding sites are listed below:
- Trash can lids or the tops of tarps
- Soda cans and old tires
- Tree stumps and tree hollows
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Buckets and other containers
- Pools, ponds, and low-lying areas
Mosquitoes also gravitate to properties with a lot of vegetation that they can hide in to rest during the day's heat.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Our yards, wooded areas, parks, fields, and almost any other outdoor space that offers mosquitoes food sources and standing water to lay their eggs are locations where mosquitoes will choose to live. Mosquitoes are most active in the summer when temperatures are their warmest.
In the summer, there are plenty of people and animals for female mosquitoes to obtain blood meals from, plenty of plants whose nectar males and females can feed on, and lots of vegetation for them to hide in during the middle of the day.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
Let Falls Pest Services reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property so that you can enjoy your outdoor space to its fullest. Don't be stuck inside because of mosquitoes, partner with Falls Pest Services, and enjoy your yard whenever you feel like it! Through our monthly services (April-September), our professionals will use a backpack fogger to treat your yard. Also, we will recommend changes you can make around your property to reduce areas of standing water.
Whether you are looking for ongoing services or a single treatment before a special event like a wedding or party, Falls Pest Services is here to help. For more information about our mosquito control options and additional pest control programs in Idaho Falls, reach out to us today!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
The best way to prevent problems with mosquitoes is to partner with a professional. In conjunction with professional home pest control and commercial pest control services, the following tips can help you avoid attracting mosquitoes to your yard and home.
- Turn over containers that aren't being used and that can collect standing water.
- Always keep lids on trash cans.
- Keep gutters clear to stop them from collecting debris and allowing rainwater to pool.
- Fill in low-lying areas that develop puddles.
- Maintain your lawn, keep the grass cut short, prune shrubbery, and cut back overgrown trees to remove resting sites from your yard.
- If possible, screens in porches or decks to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor sitting and eating areas.
- Place screens in open windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- When possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk.
