Want to get rid of mosquitoes this year? Learn how from your Atlanta-area pest management pros!
While some might consider bugs and pests to be "weird" and "gross," we like to think of them more as "quirky" and "fun to figure out." Everything animals do has a purpose and if you understand what they're doing, it will help you as you try to coexist or exterminate. At BREDA, we are happy to serve as your bug and pest interpreter, and when we get questions like, "Why do mosquitoes like water?", we are ready to share some critter knowledge with you!
If you're curious about pests and have wondered one of the same questions we tackle below, keep reading to satisfy your curiosity or file these facts away for future use!
Photo by Egor Kamelev
Why do mosquitoes like water?
Water—particularly still or stagnant water—is vital to a female mosquito looking to lay her eggs in. If the water she chooses does not move, that means the eggs she lays won't wash away and will be able to develop and hatch. Mosquitoes also prefer to find "nutrient rich" water full of microscopic organisms and debris which the developing mosquito larvae need for nutrition in order to go through their "waterborne lifecycle" before finally emerging as a flying adult mosquito. So if you'd like to avoid swarms of mosquitoes in your yard this coming spring, summer, and fall, remove any still or stagnant puddles or water sources and be sure to regularly treat and clean any ponds, fountains, or bird baths to keep them free of the organic matter mosquitoes would love to chow down on.
Do bees eat ladybugs?
No, ladybugs are not eaten by bees. Bees feed on and require both nectar and pollen from flowering plants. They need the nectar for energy and the pollen provides protein and other nutrients. That doesn't mean the ladybug is predator-free, though! Several insects and pests are known to consume or kill ladybugs. Assassin bugs, stink bugs, spiders, and toads are some of the most common hunters of ladybugs.
Do carpenter bees sting you?
Yes and no. Male carpenter bees don't have stingers at all. Instead, when they feel threatened, their "attack" is typically just dive-bombing towards their presumed threat but ultimately they can not sting. Female carpenter bees can sting but will only do so when seriously threatened. The sting has bee venom in it and can cause pain and swelling at the sting site. Like other types of bee stings, allergic reactions are also possible depending on the individual and should be treated accordingly.
Why do I have roaches in my yard at night?
Photo by Pixabay
There are several reasons why you might find roaches in your yard at night. Organic material or waste (like rotting wood, decaying foliage/mulch beds, trash bins, or pet waste) are all capable of causing roaches to appear when they are searching for food. If you didn't know, roaches are actually nocturnal creatures by nature. They prefer to stay hidden during daylight hours to avoid other predators and from drying out in open sunlight, so you are more likely to see them in your yard at night!
Roaches are also drawn to moisture in the yard. Lawns will typically retain the most moisture during the night due to lack of sunlight's drying effect. Roaches are considered to be a "moisture bug" and require high levels of moisture in order to survive, so yards that provide moisture at an above average level will likely see more moisture related issues like roaches. Remember this the next time you go outside at night after your irrigation system has run.
How far away do you have to relocate a squirrel?
On average, squirrels should be relocated 5-10 miles away from the location you're removing them from. (If you can't go that far, a minimum of 3 miles should also suffice!) The last thing you want to do is hand over your squirrel infestation to another homeowner or landlord, so if there is still a chance that the squirrels could be a problem 10 miles away from your home or office, then you can travel beyond that 10 miles to keep everyone happy, including the squirrel!
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
