What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are small insects with elongated bodies and one set of wings. They have an elongated mouthpart (proboscis) that females use to pierce a host’s skin to feed on their blood. Only females have blood meals because the blood provides them with the protein they need to create eggs that develop into new adults. Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of a variety of hosts, including people, our pets, and wild animals. The male and female mosquito’s primary food source is plant nectar and other sweet liquids.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
The diseases transmitted by mosquitoes worldwide are responsible for causing more than a million deaths each year. Luckily the spread of deadly diseases by mosquitoes isn’t a huge concern in the U.S.; however, they still spread diseases that make us ill, and we need to avoid contact with them as much as possible. In the United States, mosquitoes spread diseases like West Nile virus and encephalitis.
Another big problem when mosquitoes live on your property is their presence making it so you can’t enjoy your yard. Nobody likes spending time outside when they are constantly swatting away mosquitoes. Being bitten by mosquitoes usually results in raised, itchy welts. The more a person is allergic to their saliva, the more serious the reaction will be.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Mosquitoes are most active in Massachusetts in the spring, summer, and early fall when warm, humid weather is present. Mosquitoes are outdoor pests. Their ability to move by flying means they can become a problem on any property that offers them food and standing water where females can lay their eggs.
After females lay their eggs, they hatch, and the larvae or “wrigglers” feed on things in the water like algae and fungus until they pupate and emerge from the water as new adults. A mosquito egg develops into an adult in only eight to ten days allowing mosquito populations to explode very rapidly.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
During the heat of the day, mosquitoes hide in tall grass, under trees, and in dense vegetation. At dusk and dawn, they are out and about actively searching for food. Breeding sites are also where you are going to find mosquitoes swarming. Any amount of standing water from an unmaintained pool to rainwater collected on the top of a soda can are places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Other common breeding sites include tree cavities, clogged gutters, old tires, and containers (flower pots and buckets). Properties located near heavily wooded areas, lakes, ponds, or drainage ditches are prone to problems with mosquitoes.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
At Assurance Pest Solutions, we offer prompt and reliable pest solutions to reduce mosquito populations on Massachusetts properties quickly. With over 41 years of experience in the industry, we know how to find, treat, and solve mosquito problems.
Our mosquito services run from mid-May to the end of September. These recurring services are your best solution to ridding your property of biting mosquitoes. To learn more about our effective mosquito solutions, reach out to Assurance Pest Solutions today!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
If you live in Waltham, Newton, Needham, or surrounding areas, Assurance Pest Solutions can help you maintain a property that does not have large populations of mosquitoes. In addition to our pest control solutions, the following tips will help prevent problems with mosquitoes:
- Eliminate overgrown vegetation and tall grasses on your property to help limit food sources and resting spots.
- Remove standing water from your property.
- Keep gutters clear.
- Make sure your yard has good drainage.
- Store containers upside down when not in use.
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to keep mosquitoes from flying into your home.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
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