Mosquitoes bug everyone, no pun intended. They harass hikers, pester picnic-goers, crash barbecues, and the list goes on. Mosquitoes are universally despised for their blood-feeding nature and potential for spreading disease. However, mosquitoes come from a wide range of species, most of which have no interest in drinking human blood. There are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes worldwide, with only a few engaging in vampiric habits.
In the United States, there are three common genera, or species groups, of mosquitoes: Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes mosquitoes. Of these, a Culex mosquito is the kind a Jacksonville resident is likely to encounter, making pest control in Jacksonville a must.
Three Things Everyone Ought To Know About Mosquitoes
The Culex Pipiens mosquito is also known as the common house mosquito. If you were to take a closer look, you would see that these mosquitoes are pale to light brown, with lighter stripes on their abdomen. They range in size from 1/8 to 9/32 inches. These little insects are most active during the early morning or evening hours. They prefer warmth and moisture; in fact, mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, where their young will live until adulthood. You may already know these facts about mosquitoes. However, there are a few lesser-known mosquito facts that Jacksonville residents should be aware of, such as:
- Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in as little as a cap-full of water! That is all the water it takes to keep mosquito eggs afloat.
- Mosquitoes do not have teeth. They use their needle-like mouthparts to pierce human skin and access blood.
- Only female mosquitoes drink human blood, while the males drink plant nectar. This is because the females need as many nutrients as possible to lay their eggs.
Another significant mosquito fact you should know is that mosquitoes are disease vectors. Next up, we'll discuss the health risks associated with mosquitoes.
Illnesses Connected To Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are notorious for the damage they cause to human health. Although only a few species of mosquitoes bite people, mosquito-borne illnesses are of enormous concern worldwide. Mosquitoes inject saliva into their hosts as they feed to act as an anticoagulant. Mosquito saliva results in the itchy bumps we know too well.
Diseases carried by mosquitoes are also transmitted via mosquito saliva, for example, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. There is no cure for the West Nile virus, which causes fever and headache. Those contracting the West Nile virus can only treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to run its course. Eastern equine encephalitis is far rarer but extremely serious. Thirty percent of people who contract Eastern equine encephalitis succumb to the disease. Symptoms include fever, seizures, headaches, and long-lasting neurological issues.
Four Effective Mosquito Prevention Tips
Mosquito prevention is your first line of defense. Some mosquito prevention tips include:
- Remove areas of standing water. Flowerpots, kiddie pools, birdbaths, and tires are all places water can pool and attract mosquitoes.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during peak mosquito hours of dusk and dawn can protect your skin from mosquito bites.
- Keeping a fan outside can deter mosquitoes from getting closer.
- Maintain window and door screens to limit the number of mosquitoes getting inside your home.
These tips are not the be-all-end-all, but they go a long way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your home. If you find these tips are not enough to completely rid your property of mosquitoes, contact us to discuss further mosquito control options.
Why Mosquito Repellent Is Not Enough
A deet-based mosquito repellent is helpful when outside. However, it is a temporary fix and does not extend to your yard, house, or pets. The best way to get rid of mosquitoes long-term is to contact a professional home pest control company, Wildlife and Pest Control Experts. We use backpack misters to treat scrubs, trees, and your yard. We will point out areas that are conducive to mosquitoes. We typically do monthly reservices, and we offer one-time services for events. Contact us today for a free estimate.
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