Have you had the experience of staring at a math problem but can't seem to figure out the solution? Upon initial inspection, the whole equation seems like a foreign language, and panic creeps in as you wonder if you can pass the test. After a deep breath, you begin to think through the equation and slowly work through it, finding the solution.
For every problem, there is a solution, including a mosquito infestation. Although controlling a mosquito invasion of your property may seem impossible, the Elk Grove pest control team at Bell Pest Control has the answer. Of course, many pest control companies say they have the key to stopping a mosquito problem on properties, so why do we believe we have the solution?
The reason is that we have controlled mosquito problems for over four decades. Our highly rated, family-owned, and operated company has trained service technicians who work to provide you with a comfortable, pest-free environment. We wrote this article to help you with mosquito control issues so you will know the solution to your mosquito problem. So, please keep reading.
Mosquitoes: The Lifecycle Of The Little Fly
Centuries ago, there was a Greek philosopher named Socrates, and his method of attacking a problem was to ask questions. As we begin our journey to finding the answers to get rid of mosquitoes in our yard, we need to start by asking how an infestation begins.
The process begins when a fertilized adult female mosquito enjoys a blood meal at your expense. The iron, protein, amino acids, and other nutritional elements from human blood enable the female mosquito to produce eggs. After eating, she will land while her body creates the eggs.
Next, the mosquito will search for suitable locations to deposit the eggs. An appropriate area must contain stagnant water with organic plant and animal materials for her future offspring. Because the eggs are tiny, she does not need much water; a bottle cap filled with water will suffice if no other options are available. Once she finds a breeding ground, she releases the eggs; the eggs stick to the surface just about the waterline. Under favorable conditions, larvae emerge from the eggs in seven or more days, usually after moisture from rain or a nearby sprinkler covers the eggs. The legless, wormlike mosquito larvae obtain nutrition from the organic matter in the water.
Mosquitoes are insects. Insects have an external skeleton (exoskeleton) that they shed (molt) at each growth stage (instar) to mature. The larvae progress through four molting phases shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their growing bodies. At the final molt stage, the larvae enter the pupal stage. During this phase, they create a cocoon-like structure. While in this temporary housing, they do not consume food but tumble underneath the water.
After two to four days, the mosquito emerges from its cocoon-like structure as an adult. Although the newly emerged adult mosquito has wings, it is not ready to fly but must remain floating on its former home until its wings harden. Once it can use its wings, it leaves the breeding ground searching for plant nectar and a mate. Depending upon the conditions, an adult mosquito lives for two to four weeks.
We continuously train our service technicians at Bell Pest Control so they know about the development of mosquitoes. This information gives them the knowledge to know where to investigate the origins of a mosquito infestation so they can work to keep mosquitoes out of the yard.
How Mosquito Bites Spread Dangerous Diseases
Don't let this alarm you, but mosquitoes are the deadliest insect worldwide. Before you vow never to be outside at dusk again, please understand that most mosquito deaths are outside the United States and are due to the unfortunate lack of medical access in many countries. However, that does not mean mosquitos are not a problem in our country.
Although this may surprise you, mosquitoes primarily feed on plant nectar and juices and play a role in the ecosystem. Since that is the case, you may wonder why mosquitoes bite. Only fertilized female mosquitoes bite humans and do so to facilitate egg production.
When a mosquito bites an animal or human, it digests the blood to remove the nutrients. If the animal or human is infected, the virus spreads into the basal lamina membrane of the mosquito's stomach. The virus then replicates in the secondary tissues throughout the mosquito's body, including the salivary glands. When the female mosquito inserts its proboscis, the mouthpart that pierces the skin and draws out the blood then transfers the viruses in its saliva into the bloodstream of its victim.
The following are diseases spread by mosquitoes in our area:
- West Nile virus
- Dengue fever
- Chikungunya
- Encephalitis (St. Louis)
- Tularemia
Not every mosquito is infected, and not every infected mosquito will make you sick, but if they do, the illness can range from unpleasant to deadly. Dengue fever, West Nile virus, and chikungunya diseases cause nausea, rashes, vomiting, and body aches. Tularemia may trigger ulcers and high fever as high as 104℉. A bite from a mosquito with various forms of encephalitis can be life-threatening. Most people bitten by a mosquito infected with encephalitis do not develop problems; however, some experience fever, chills, and joint pain. Even rarer, some people experience neurological issues, which can be life-threatening.
The best way to stop this list of diseases caused by mosquitoes from harming your family is to partner with Bell Pest Control. Our proven mosquito control methods will keep mosquitoes away from your Elk Grove home and minimize the risk of infection by a mosquito.
How To Identify And Remove Factors That Attract Mosquitoes
You are probably reading this article because you feel inundated by mosquitoes dive-bombing you and your family when you try to enjoy a night on the patio, and you want to know why mosquitos are on your property. Plants, blood hosts, and standing water lure fertilized female mosquitos.
Now that we have identified the basic mosquito attractants, here are some mosquito prevention tips:
- Remove mosquito-attracting plants
- Eliminate containers that trap water
- Provide drainage to ditches and low-lying areas
- Seal outdoor garbage containers
- Unclog gutters
- Cyle out water in bird baths weekly
- Remove old tires from the property
- Thin out dense vegetation
Most of these tips are self-explanatory, but we want to elaborate on a few. Regarding mosquito-attracting plants, bamboo, taro, papyrus, water lilies, and water hyacinths are thought to lure mosquitos. Remember, other than fertilized females, all mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and juices.
Containers that trap water include baby pools, pool covers, and plant trays, so be sure they are dry or stored when not in use. Regarding vegetation, including overgrown trees and bushes, you need to thin out and prune these to allow sunlight and airflow. Part of the solution to your mosquito problem is maintaining a clean, dry environment inside and outside your Elk Grove home.
Mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices, so sweet-smelling foods attract them too. Keep outdoor garbage containers closed; if you are hosting an outdoor event, keep food items covered until time to eat. Use cups with a cover to minimize attracting mosquitoes if you serve sweet liquids outdoors.
When a service technician from Bell Pest Control's mosquito control service inspects your home, we will alert you to attractants on your property.
The Most Effective Mosquito Control For Your Home And Yard
In addition to removing attractants on your Elk Grove property, you can minimize exposure by remaining indoors during the early evening hours. If you work in the yard or exercise outdoors, know that the carbon dioxide you exhale, high body heat, and body sweat are attractants. Work out indoors or, if you must work in the yard, do so during the morning hours and afternoon. Other ways to effectively control your exposure to mosquitoes are wearing an EPA-approved mosquito repellant and minimizing skin exposure. You may also consider planting citronella grass, marigolds, rosemary, bay leaves, and other mosquito-repelling plants around the house.
To keep mosquitoes from invading your home, repair any holes in screens on the doors and windows. Also, keep garbage containers inside the house closed to avoid spreading what mosquitoes sense as tantalizing odors.
While these prevention tips and mosquito control measures will help, the best way to get rid of mosquitoes in Elk Grove is to partner with Bell Pest Control. As a licensed and bonded company with rave reviews, you can rest assured we know how to stop mosquitoes from infesting your property.
When you call, we will attentively listen to your concerns and then send a service technician to your Elk Grove location to assess the situation. Your friendly service technician will look for attractants and mosquito hot spots. We will develop a comprehensive strategic plan to solve your mosquito problem. Don't spend another summer dodging mosquitoes on your property and worrying about contracting a disease from mosquito bites. Call now to learn more about our cost-effective monthly mosquito control services.
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