Dealing with Mosquito Season

Understanding Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects belonging to the family Culicidae. They have slender bodies, long legs, and a pair of wings. Only female mosquitoes bite as they require blood to produce eggs. While male mosquitoes feed on nectar, female mosquitoes seek out warm-blooded hosts, including humans, to obtain the necessary nutrients from their blood.

The Mosquito Life Cycle

Understanding the mosquito life cycle can help in controlling their population. The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

• Egg:  Female mosquitoes lay eggs on or near stagnant water. 
• Larva:  Eggs hatch into larvae, also known as “wigglers,” which live in water and feed on organic matter. 
• Pupa:  Larvae then develop into pupae, known as “tumblers,” which also live in water but do not feed. 
• Adult:  Finally, adult mosquitoes emerge from pupae, ready to start the cycle anew. 

Health Risks Associated with Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are known carriers of several diseases that can affect humans and animals. Some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases include: 

• West Nile Virus:  Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological conditions. 
• Zika Virus:  This virus can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected. 
• Dengue Fever:  Characterized by high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain. 
• Malaria:  Though rare in the United States, it can cause severe illness and even death if contracted.

Effective Mosquito Control Strategies

At West Termites & Pest, we utilize a multi-faceted approach to effectively manage and reduce mosquito populations in and around your home. 

   1. Eliminate Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed. Removing or treating standing water around your property is crucial. This includes: 

• Emptying and cleaning birdbaths, gutters, and plant saucers regularly. 
• Ensuring that swimming pools and hot tubs are properly maintained and chlorinated. 
• Fixing leaky faucets and hoses that can create puddles. 

    2. Larvicides and Adulticides

We use environmentally friendly larvicides to target mosquito larvae before they mature into adults. For adult mosquitoes, we employ safe and effective adulticides. These treatments can significantly reduce the mosquito population around your home. 

    3. Mosquito Traps

Our mosquito traps attract and capture mosquitoes, preventing them from reproducing. These traps are strategically placed around your property to maximize effectiveness. 

    4. Protective Barriers

Creating a barrier around your home with specialized mosquito control products can help keep mosquitoes at bay. This involves treating the perimeter of your yard, shrubs, and other vegetation where mosquitoes rest during the day.

Personal Protection Tips

In addition to professional treatments, here are some tips you can follow to protect yourself from mosquito bites: 

• Use Insect Repellent:  Apply EPA-approved insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. 
• Wear Protective Clothing:  Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk). 
• Install Screens:  Ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. 
• Avoid Peak Activity Times:  Limit outdoor activities during early morning and late evening when mosquitoes are most active. 

Why Choose West Termites & Pest?

Serving locations across Arkansas and Oklahoma, West Termites & Pest offers comprehensive pest control, termite control, and lawn care and treatment services. We understand the unique challenges posed by mosquitoes in our region and are committed to providing effective, long-lasting solutions.

Our team of experts is dedicated to protecting your home and family from the nuisances and health risks associated with mosquitoes. We offer free consultations to assess your mosquito problem and develop a tailored treatment plan that fits your needs.

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your summer. Contact West Termites & Pest today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a mosquito-free home. Enjoy your outdoor spaces without the worry of mosquito bites, and let us handle the rest.