âMosquitoes, those biting, pesky pests, ruiners of picnics and playground time, are swarming now in Georgia, bringing with them itchy welts and more. As carriers of diseases dangerous to humans and their four-legged friends, it's important to know about mosquitoes, and we're here to help.
What is a mosquito?
Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes are small, hard to see insects. At under an inch long, and primarily gray in color, they are easily camouflaged since they're most active at dawn and dusk.
Where do mosquitoes live?
Mosquitoes are found everywhere, but some species are more prevalent in certain areas than in others. For instance, the Asian tiger mosquito is most commonly found in the southern U.S., though it has in recent years infiltrated the northeast.Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, and can complete their life cycles in as little as ½" of water. It's important that homeowners routinely check their property to eliminate any standing water to protect against mosquitoes.
What do mosquitoes eat?
Mosquitoes, both male and female, get most of their energy by feeding on plant nectar. Female mosquitoes, however, need blood in order to lay fertile eggs, thus making them the little vampires they are known to be. Female mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide that humans and animals give off. They follow the carbon dioxide trail until they find their host. About every two days, a female mosquito needs to feed in order to reproduce.
Are mosquitoes dangerous? Short answer: of course!
While the worst side effect for many who are bitten by mosquitoes is an itchy welt at the site of the feeding, others contract serious illnesses, like West Nile virus and dengue fever. Malaria is another oft-transmitted disease, though the rate of occurrence in the U.S. is relatively low. Worldwide, deaths associated with mosquitoes outnumbers any other animal on earth. While they may not be as scary or intimidating as a grizzly bear or a great white shark, it is their disease spreading ability that makes them so dangerous.
How do mosquitoes choose their victims?
While no one is immune to the bite of a mosquito, studies have shown that some people are more likely to be fed upon than others. Certain blood types are more prone to being bitten, as are those whose skin contains certain naturally occurring bacteria. Additionally, dark colored clothing and floral-scented perfumes attract mosquitoes, so it's best to avoid both of those when you'll be outside for prolonged (or any) periods of time.
How can I prevent mosquitoes?
The first line of defense against mosquitoes is eliminating standing water on your property, but even that may not be enough. While avoiding being outside at dawn and dusk is another option, it's not always possible. There are even DIY methods such as setting up mosquito traps in your yard. Sometimes homemade traps aren't enough to fully control the mosquito population in your yard! Luckily, Breda Pest Management can help. The team at Breda Pest Management offers mosquito treatment for your property which targets only mosquitoes and does not harm the honeybee population. They will thoroughly treat the areas where mosquitoes rest during the day, ensuring effective elimination. Additionally, mosquito treatment services are offered on a month-to-month basis, so there is no contractual obligation for the service.
