What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are flying, blood-sucking insects. These pests are found living throughout most of the world in a wide variety of ecosystems. Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of animals and humans as they need the proteins in blood in order to produce healthy eggs, while both females and males feed on plant nectar as their main food source. Mosquitoes have slender bodies, long legs, narrow wings, and extended, tube-like mouthparts called proboscises that they use for feeding.
Two of the most common species of mosquitoes found to be living throughout our service area of northeast Texas are the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus.
Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquitoes)
Aedes aegypti is a small species of mosquito. Their abdomens are dark brown to black, and they have white scales on their thoraxes that form a violin-like pattern. The tarsal segment of the hind legs has white bands, giving them a striped appearance. These mosquitoes are very hearty and can survive for several months without water.
Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquitoes)
The Aedes albopictus is commonly called the Asian tiger mosquito because of the black and white “tiger-striped” pattern on its body. Asian tiger mosquitoes also have a white stripe running down the middle of their heads and white bandings on their legs. They are aggressive and unlike most other mosquito species, come out during the day to feed.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Yes, mosquitoes are dangerous pests. In fact, mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous pests in the world because of the significant diseases they spread. They have the potential to pick up and transmit a wide variety of diseases and parasites to both people and pets. In the United States, mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus (Aedes albopictus), encephalitis (Aedes albopictus), and the Zika virus (Aedes aegypti). Mosquitoes can infect dogs with parasitic heartworm, a potentially fatal condition! When mosquitoes bite, they leave behind red, itchy welts that, with excessive itching, can lead to a secondary infection that may require medical attention.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Mosquito populations flourish in humid, hot weather. These pests live and breed outside, and can become a huge problem on any property. Mosquitoes are especially drawn to properties that have a lot of standing water and flowering vegetation on them. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in areas that have standing water and extremely wet soil.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes typically swarm around areas of standing water or flowering vegetation, searching for places to breed and feed. Ponds, marshes, swamps, wetlands, flower gardens, or flowering trees all attract mosquitoes. These pests will rest in tall grasses and areas of dense vegetation, along fence lines, under trees, behind tree bark, and underneath decks and porches. Mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests, but sometimes accidentally find their way inside while searching for food. They move indoors through open windows and doors, holes in screens, and gaps around windows and doors.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found swarming around areas of standing water. These mosquitoes thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were first identified here in Texas in the mid-’80s. Since that time, these mosquitoes have spread throughout much of the eastern United States.
When are mosquitoes most active?
Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are considered to be daytime biters and have the potential to remain active year-round in regions that provide them with warm weather. Throughout northeastern Texas, these mosquitoes tend to be most active from March and through November.
Interesting facts about mosquitoes
1. Mosquitoes find people and animals to feed on through body heat and chemical signals like the carbon dioxide we produce as we breath.
2. Mosquitoes are attracted to people who have recently consumed alcohol than to those that have not.
3. Mosquitoes are more attracted to people who are wearing dark-colored clothing, as well as perfumes and other heavy scents.
4. Mosquitoes are also more attracted to people with increased body temperature; therefore, people who are exercising or are pregnant are more likely to be bitten.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
To eliminate and/or prevent mosquitoes, partner with Around The Block Pest Control. Our friendly and highly trained professionals deliver modern and effective pest control solutions. We will work closely with you to eliminate mosquitoes and stop future mosquito populations from making themselves at home on your McKinney, Texas property.
Around The Block offers a variety of residential and commercial pest control services: general pest coverage, organic services, bed bugs control, fire ant control, mosquito control, rodent control, and more. To learn more about our mosquito control services offered in northeastern Texas, contact Around The Block Pest Control today!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
In addition to our professional services, the following tips can help to prevent problems with mosquitoes invading your property in northeastern Texas and surrounding areas:
Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling in or around them.
Remove overgrown vegetation from near the outside of your home.
Fix low-lying areas in your lawn or driveway that collect rainwater.
Make sure doors and window screens are intact.
Keep the grass in your yard trimmed short.
Keep windows and doors closed to keep mosquitoes from getting inside.
Store containers that can collect water upside-down.
When spending time outside in mosquito-rich areas, wear an insect repellant.
Empty and refill birdbaths, pet water bowls, and baby pools regularly with fresh water.