The never-ending spring rainstorms and hot summer days that follow, are the perfect storm for mosquitoes, breeding millions of the bloodsuckers that seem to come early and stay for the season. Mosquitoes are midge-like fly. Females of most species have tube like mouth parts used to pierce the hosts’ skin to consume blood. The saliva of the mosquito often causes an irritating rash that is a serious nuisance however the real danger is the role many species of mosquitoes play as vectors of disease. In passing from host to host mosquitoes can transmit Malaria, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, Dungue Fever, and other arboviruses. Adult mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow moving water, or on moist soil or leaf litter in areas likely to collect water. Keep gutters clean an unclogged. Treat ornamental ponds and bird baths with mosquito larvacide like Bonide WSP’s. Use liquid sprays or foggers to treat large lawn areas as well as shrubs and wooded areas.
Mosquito Facts:
- Only female mosquitoes bite
- There are nearly 200 mosquito species in the US
- Mosquitoes need water to breed
- Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in as little as 4 days in warm weather
- Female Mosquitos can live for up to 100 days
- Mosquitoes are vectors (carriers) for several dangerous diseases including West Nile Virus and encephalitis
- Successful mosquito control includes larvae control, control of adults and repelling insects from living areas
- Mosquito season can last from April-November in many areas