Mosquito Control in The Woodlands, TX
In the summer, enjoying barbecues, late-night walks and dips in the pool are challenging due to growing mosquito infestations. Swatting mosquitoes turns into an annoyance hence the need for a more permanent solution. If you live in The Woodlands, Tx mosquito control should be a priority, especially during warm seasons.
Mosquito Species in The Woodlands, TX
Did you know that there are more than 3,000 mosquito species in the world? These tiny insects are found almost everywhere on earth, especially close to human beings. Of these, only around 176 species are found in the United States, and not all pose a danger to you. It’s also important to note that only female mosquitoes bite humans. Here are four of the most common mosquitoes in the U.S.
Aedes aegypti: Yellow Fever Mosquito
This mosquito is intensely black, with a pointed abdomen and white stripes on its abdomen, and legs. These mosquitoes feed on both human and animal blood and love to feed on several hosts, which results in the spread of diseases. They are also primarily found indoors. Besides yellow fever, this species of mosquito is also known to spread the Zika virus, dengue, and chikungunya. The female mosquito lays eggs in clean water in birdbaths, pet bowls, shower drains and gutters. While this species is prevalent in the South, it’s also been identified in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.
Aedes albopictus: Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian mosquito is larger than the yellow fever mosquito. It also has a pointy abdomen with white stripes. This mosquito is found in more than 30 states in the south and the east. It bites during the day and feeds on both humans and animals. The bites are barely perceptible, which makes the mosquito difficult to spot sometimes. A bite from a carrier mosquito can infect you with Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, Zika Virus, and Japanese encephalitis. Usually, females lay their eggs in water found in potted plants, tins, cans and buckets.
Culex pipiens: Northern House Mosquito
The Northern House mosquito is a common insect in urban areas across 48 states. It is brownish with a rounded abdomen. If you hear something buzzing in your ear at night, sometimes even in the winter, this is the likely culprit. While dozens of mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus, the Northern House mosquito transmits it the most. The females lay their eggs in dirty water found in ditches and swampy patches.
Culex tarsalis
This mosquito also has a rounded abdomen and brownish color but is distinguished by a light-colored band around its proboscis. The mosquito is a notorious carrier of the West Nile virus in the rural areas in western areas of California and Utah. This species breeds in huge numbers in large areas of stagnant water on agricultural land and ditches.
How Can I Control Mosquitoes Near Me?
Protecting you and your family from painful mosquito bites and viruses such as West Nile and Zika is an ongoing lifetime process. Mosquitoes are abundant and tend to increase in numbers during the summer, hence the need for seasonal control. Here are some of the measures you can take to control mosquitoes in your home and yard.
- Eliminate all unnecessary stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes around you. Check your yard for cans, tins, toys, buckets, drums, and tires with water and pour them. Remember also to trash the items or store them in an enclosed area to prevent water from collecting again.
- Drain all baby pools and store them. If you cannot drain the pools, find airtight covers to prevent breeding. If you have a personal pool, remember to keep it clean and chlorinated.
- Close all your garbage bins after dumping the trash. If possible, drill some holes at the bottom of the bins to drain any water inside.
- Drain the water in your pet bowls and check for stagnant water around your AC unit and tubs to prevent breeding.
- Introduce movement to water inside pools, ponds, and water baths. Mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed and water in motion will discourage breeding.
- Visit your local gardening store for some larvacide rings and use them to kill the larvae in your ponds and birdbaths. Alternatively, you can introduce fish to your pond to eat mosquito larvae.
- Remove all the algae from your pools, ponds, and baths. Mosquito larvae feed on the algae and eliminating the food source kills the larvae.
- Trim the grass and bushes near your home frequently. While mosquitoes cannot breed in the grass, they look for grass to rest and hide in.
- Consider planting herbs such as lemon thyme, basil, mint, and rosemary to repel mosquitoes.
Mosquito Control Services in The Woodlands Tx
While prevention is essential, it might not clear the mosquito infestation in your Woodlands, Tx home. Spraying insecticide is a safe and cost-effective way to eliminate mosquitoes around you. For professional mosquito control, call SafeHaven Pest Control today!
We also offer the following:
Pest Control The Woodlands Tx Rodent Control The Woodlands Tx Termite Control The Woodlands Tx
