Mosquito control is a big topic in the wider pest control industry during the summer months of the year. These common insect pests are responsible for ruining a lot of outdoor events and causing itchy bites, but they can also present other dangers to homeowners in Jacksonville. Today, we’ll examine some important facts about mosquitoes that should inform how you deal with them around your home.
We’ll talk about the origins of the mosquito’s name, the dangers of being bitten by a mosquito, and what you can do to keep these pests in check around your property. After that, we’ll close by telling you all about how Mission Pest Solutions can help you remove mosquitoes from your yard quickly and effectively. Mission Pest has been in the Jacksonville pest control industry for years, and we’re always happy to help new customers.
Mosquito Means ‘Little Fly’
The word ‘mosquito’ comes from Spanish and Portuguese and means ‘little fly.’ The use of the word ‘mosquito’ dates back to 1583. Mosquitoes belong to an order of insects called Diptera, which is also referred to as the True Flies by scientists. The main difference between mosquitoes and other types of flies is the long proboscis that female mosquitoes use to pierce the skin of their victims and consume their blood. Male mosquitoes don’t consume blood; they instead rely on the nectar of flowers for nutrition.
Mosquitos also tend to have long, spindly legs, and their flight patterns aren’t as strong as those of other flies. A stiff breeze can often deter them. In the next sections, we’ll look at the possible risks of being bitten by a mosquito, as well as natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard.
The Potential Dangers Of A Mosquito Bite
Mosquitoes in Jacksonville might seem like just a nuisance at first, but these insects can pose a genuine threat to your health and safety. These insects carry a number of harmful diseases that can be difficult or impossible to treat. The diseases that you can get from mosquitoes include dengue fever, West Nile virus, encephalitis, and malaria.
Fortunately, malaria, which is the most dangerous, hasn’t been a major problem in the United States since the 1940s. While disease-transmitting mosquitoes are uncommon, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to prevention.
Natural Ways To Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Yard
Groups of mosquitoes often gather around areas of standing water, as these serve as ideal breeding grounds and places to lay their eggs. Getting rid of any standing water on your property is the first step to mosquito prevention. Here are a few more things you can do to deter mosquitoes:
- Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk, as this is when most mosquitoes are active.
- Wear long pants and sleeves when you do go outside.
- Use small fans to deter mosquitoes at outdoor gatherings.
- Keep all window and door screens in working condition.
- Make sure to use an insect repellent that contains DEET or some other effective chemical.
By following these steps and exercising common sense, you should be able to keep your yard free of mosquitoes. If you do find yourself facing an infestation, however, you can always call Mission Pest Solutions.
Professional Mosquito Control Offers Top Quality Protection
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes on your property is to contact a professional mosquito control company in Jacksonville like Mission Pest Solutions. We’re a family- and veteran-owned business with years of experience in the pest control industry.
We focus on providing the best possible service to all our customers, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands. Contact Mission Pest today and ask about our free inspections!