Nothing gets in the way of a nice day outside like that high-pitched mosquito whine. Soon everybody’s been bitten, and your outdoor activities are ruined. To avoid mosquito bites this summer, you need Phoenix pest control that gets mosquitoes out of your yard. With Overson Pest Control, you can enjoy your yard without worrying about insect bites.
The Role Mosquitoes Play In The Ecosystem
Most people consider mosquitoes in Phoenix just to be obnoxious pests, especially in Phoenix, where they’re around all year. But mosquitoes are actually pollinators, which means that they help plants—especially flowers—continue to grow year after year. Mosquitoes mostly eat nectar, which they get from flowers. Only female mosquitoes bite, which is because they need protein from blood to lay their eggs.
Pollinators are essential to local ecosystems. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you want them around your yard all the time. Other pollinators, like bees, will mostly leave you alone; mosquitoes seek people out to bite them and drink their blood.
How Mosquito Bites Spread Dangerous Diseases
As female mosquitoes bite mammals, they sometimes pick up viruses. This usually happens when they feed on wild animals. Then, that virus grows in the mosquito, and it spreads when they continue to bite animals and people. This is not very common in the United States, but there are diseases spread by mosquitoes here. These include West Nile virus, dengue fever, and encephalitis.
The most common symptoms of mosquito-borne illness are flu-like fevers and aches. Many people experience mild symptoms, but children and older adults are more susceptible to severe illness. Although it is rare to catch one of these viruses from a mosquito bite, there is still a risk. It’s important to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible to reduce your chances of contracting one of these illnesses.
The Hassles With Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Control
Mosquito control in Phoenix can be tricky. For one, these insects have fast life cycles. It typically takes ten to 14 days for a mosquito to mature from an egg to an adult, and then it starts laying its own eggs. Within just a few weeks, multiple generations of mosquitoes have set up camp in your yard.
Another reason why mosquito control is difficult on your own is where they lay their eggs. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, but there isn’t a size requirement. Mosquitoes have been known to lay eggs in bottle caps, toys, and old tires that are left outside. Anything collecting water can be a mosquito breeding site, which allows infestations to grow.
Chances are, you won’t be able to treat a mosquito infestation on your own completely. But you can implement some of the following tips to prevent mosquitoes from living near your home and avoid being bitten:
- Clear out overgrown plants
- Install plants that repel mosquitoes
- Remove anything that collects water
- Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn
- Apply a personal mosquito repellant
Mosquitoes often prefer shady areas, which is why overgrowth can attract mosquitoes. Clearing out plants that create a lot of shade can help keep mosquitoes away. But if you want to keep your yard shady, you might try installing mosquito-repelling plants instead. Citronella, lemongrass, and basil are all known to keep mosquitoes away because of their scent. And, as an added bonus, you get lovely, good-smelling plants in your yard.
Anything that collects water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, from pieces of plastic to pet bowls. If there are items you want to stay in your yard—such as bird baths or ponds—either replace the water frequently or treat it with a mosquito-killing pesticide. Just remember to follow the directions on any products you use, and don’t use chemicals in water that people or animals drink out of.
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Spending time outside during these times of day could attract more to your property. Stay inside, and if you’re going out, apply a mosquito repellent. This will keep you safe from mosquito bites and lower your risk of a mosquito-borne illness.
To keep mosquitoes away from your Phoenix home for good, contact a professional pest control company for help.
The Most Effective Mosquito Control For Your Property
At Overson Pest Control, we believe in effective treatments for pest-free homes. Although mosquitoes are a common nuisance in Phoenix, they don’t need to be buzzing around your yard all the time. We offer a specialized mosquito treatment for Phoenix yards that gets rid of mosquitoes and keeps them from coming back. Our mosquito control plan centers on monthly treatments to ensure that your home and family are protected from pesky mosquitoes and their bites. Call Overson Pest Control today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Phoenix.