Being bitten by a mosquito does not hurt, or at least the pain is minimal. For this reason, many people do not consider these pests threats. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Mosquitoes pose a very real threat to people in the diseases they carry and spread. To help you avoid these dangerous insects, here are a few things you should know, including what attracts mosquitoes to properties and what you should do to keep them off your Pensacola lawn.
Why Mosquitoes Bite
Mosquitoes do not need blood to survive, or at least not in the way you might think. Female mosquitoes collect blood in order to provide nutrients for their eggs. When drawing blood from a human, these pests bite as many times as they have to in order to fill up. To protect themselves while feeding, mosquitoes inject saliva beneath their victim’s skin. This saliva acts as a painkiller so that they can feed without drawing too much attention. It is only as they are finishing and after they fly away that a noticeable itching sensation starts around the area of the bite.
The Danger Of Mosquitoes
A mosquito’s bite in and of itself is not dangerous to humans. What is dangerous are the many disease-causing organisms these pests can carry on and inside their piercing mouthparts. These sickness vectors are picked up from infected animals and/or humans and then spread to healthy individuals. Some of the most common diseases you might contract from a mosquito are malaria, West Nile virus, and chikungunya.
One thing we should mention is that mosquito diseases are less common in the states. This is due to the lower number of infected people and our easy access to quality health care services, treatments, and medicine.
What Draws Mosquitoes Onto Properties
Mosquitoes are drawn to properties that offer them places to breed, rest, and feed. More specifically, mosquitoes are drawn to areas that have sources of stagnant water, thick foliage, tall grass, dense undergrowth, and lots of animals and people. Some of these factors can be controlled while others are a bit more difficult to limit.
How To Minimize Your Exposure To Mosquitoes
There are two sides to limiting your exposure to mosquitoes: protecting yourself and addressing conditions around your property. Let’s start with some simple ways to protect yourself.
- Wear light-colored clothing as mosquitoes use dark silhouettes to track their prey.
- Avoid going outside during dusk and dawn as this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoid moisture-rich environments such as swamps and marshlands as mosquito populations are much denser in these areas.
- Apply bug repellant to your skin before going outside as this will help repel hungry mosquitoes.
- Keep your body temperature down and your breathing light as these things both attract unwanted mosquitoes.
To reduce mosquito populations around your property, we recommend eliminating sources of water buildup. Do this every time after it rains. We also recommend changing out the water in ornate pools and birdbaths at least once every four days, as it takes five days for mosquito eggs to hatch.
A Better Way To Deter Mosquitoes
If you need mosquitoes to get and stay off your property and you don’t have the time, energy, or experience to do it yourself, hire the experts at EnSec. We take pest control seriously. We offer comprehensive mosquito control solutions for area properties. Whether you are looking to enjoy your yard, without these painful blood-feeders, or trying to keep an outdoor gathering from being ruined, we are here to help. We provide season-long mosquito reduction services as well as one-time treatments before an outdoor event. Call us today to schedule a service visit for your Pensacola property or event center.