What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are biting pests that maintain large populations throughout the late spring, summer, and early fall here in South Carolina. The mosquito is a type of fly and belongs to the family Culicidae. Mosquitoes only have one pair of slender wings and, like most flies, are not strong fliers. While mosquitoes are capable of flying distances, the slightest breeze will send them off course.
Mosquitoes have a slender, elongated mouthpart called a proboscis. Adult female mosquitoes use their proboscis to feed on the blood of people and animals. Blood meals are a vital part of a mosquito's life cycle, allowing females to produce viable eggs. The primary food source for both male and female mosquitoes, however, is plant nectar.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
On a list of the deadly creatures on earth, mosquitoes are at the top. The diseases that mosquitoes carry and transmit to people worldwide are why these frail creatures are so harmful. In addition to transmitting diseases like the West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, mosquitoes are also frequently infected with parasitic heartworm, which can be deadly to our pets.
While not all mosquitoes are infected with and spread diseases, all females bite us to feed on our blood. Having large numbers of these pests living and breeding on our properties means that we are surrounded by them and bitten anytime we try to spend time outside. Their bites are itchy and excessive itching at the bite sites can lead to secondary infections.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Mosquitoes are attracted to properties with standing water. Females lay their eggs, and the larvae develop in areas of standing water. Things like low lying areas, ditches, marshes, wooded areas, dense vegetation, piles of wood, and containers that collect water draw mosquitoes to any outdoor space. Flowering plants also attract mosquitoes as they provide a source of food for both the males and females.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
At dusk and dawn, mosquitoes are out and about actively searching for food. During the day, when temperatures are high, many mosquitoes will take cover under trees, in dense shrubby, and tall grass. Mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests, but like other flies, they often find a way into our homes through open windows or doors. Once inside, they will find and bite us.
Mosquitoes swarm around people in large numbers, attracted by the carbon dioxide we produce when we breathe, our body heat, and our body odor. Breeding sites, such as the following, are also where you will find large numbers of mosquitoes swarming in our yards:
- Clogged gutters
- Buckets and flower pots
- Wheelbarrows
- Wading pool and pet water bowls
- Pools and water features
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
Reduce the number of mosquitoes feeding and breeding in your South Carolina yard with the help of Greenville Pest Control. Through our seasonal, monthly services (April-October), our professionals will treat your yard and make recommendations to reduce mosquito numbers on your property.
If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina area, reach out to us to learn more about our mosquito control services. At Greenville Pest Control, we always try to go above and beyond for our customers, solving pest problems while having your family's safety at the forefront of everything we do!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:
- Eliminate as much standing water from your property as possible by filling in low lying areas and making sure your yard has good drainage.
- Prevent water from collecting on your property by keeping gutters clear of debris and storing containers upside down when you're not using them.
- Remove natural containers that collect rainwater in your yard like tree stumps, hollow trees, and brush piles.
- If you own a pool, make sure it is adequately maintained, and the water is always circulating.
- Regularly empty and refill wading pools, pet water bowls, and birdbaths.
- Keep the grass cut short on your property and cut back overgrown vegetation to limit resting spots for mosquitoes.
