During the summer, many people in Philadelphia notice that they are afflicted by itchy bites after spending time outdoors. It is a familiar sensation, as mosquitoes are among the most common pests.
Mosquito bites may be more worrisome than a day or two of itchiness. In fact, many of these insects spread harmful and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Species such as the Asian tiger mosquito and the northern house mosquito, which are common in the local area, not only make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors but also may be responsible for making bite victims sick.
Property owners are encouraged to contact a local mosquito exterminator when mosquito problems become unmanageable. It is possible that with specialized products and the elimination of wet areas and excess vegetation, people can return to enjoying outdoor spaces on a regular basis.
WHAT MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
Asian tiger mosquitoes, also known as forest mosquitoes, get their more familiar name from the bright white stripe on their backs and heads. Even more black and white stripes are on the insect's legs and body. This tiny insect is just one-eighth of an inch long with a narrow, segmented body and six legs.
Sometimes called the common house mosquito, the northern house mosquito features a light brown or golden colored body that is approximately one quarter of an inch long. Their abdomen is marked by paler bands.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY MOSQUITOES
Perhaps the only good thing that can be said about the mosquito is that they do not cause property damage. Nonetheless, they do make it excessively hard for people and pets to enjoy the outdoors.
From spring until the fall, mosquito activity is at its peak. During these months, it may be impossible to spend time outside without receiving at least a bite or two. Sitting on the deck in the evening or playing a game of catch with the kids becomes an exercise in frustration as mosquitoes swarm.
Female mosquitoes are unerringly drawn to human victims. After alighting on a person, the mosquito inserts their proboscis, a body part that resembles a straw, into the host's skin. Through the proboscis, the mosquito sends an anticoagulant into the victim's blood vessel while simultaneously drawing blood upward. It is the anticoagulant, which is a portion of the mosquito's saliva, that causes the extreme itchiness after a bite.
WHERE DO MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Standing water is the mosquito's preferred habitat, and they are adept at finding even the smallest pools and puddles. Of course, stagnant ponds are preferred because of their size, but mosquitoes will use tiny amounts of water that have collected in empty plant pots, upside down jar lids and discarded tires just as readily.
The Asian tiger mosquito originated in the hot, humid locales of Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, they thrive in Philadelphia, even managing to overwinter when the cold months are mild enough. Scientists believe that as the spread of climate change becomes more pervasive, this species will be able to thrive in ever greater numbers.
Natives of Africa, the northern house mosquito also is adept at surviving in the Philadelphia climate. They are now found on almost every continent in regions ranging from the rural to the urban. Sometimes, they are referred to as rain barrel mosquitoes because they so often infest these vessels.
WHAT DO MOSQUITOES EAT?
Plant juices, honeydew and nectar are the staple foods for most mosquitoes. All of these are sweet substances, which explains why these pests frequently are drawn to foods such as fruits, vegetables, juices, sodas and desserts.
However, female mosquitoes have an additional dietary requirement. Without a blood meal, these females are unable to lay eggs. The majority of mosquito species seek a blood meal during the twilight hours.
The exception to this is the Asian tiger mosquito, which also seeks blood meals during the daytime.
DO MOSQUITOES BITE?
Absolutely.
However, only female mosquitoes bite and draw blood from humans. While both male and female mosquitoes possess similar mouthparts called proboscis, the biting apparatus of the female is thinner and better designed for stinging and drawing blood which necessary for egg production.
ARE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
Because female mosquitoes cannot reproduce until they have had a blood meal, they can appear to be quite aggressive. This is especially true in locations where a large population of mosquitoes is present. In these circumstances, it is possible for a person to receive a dozen or more itchy, irritating bites.
It is easy for a mosquito infestation to quickly get out of hand because of this pest's breeding habits. In a two-week period, female mosquitoes are known to lay as many as 3,000 eggs. When blood meals are plentiful, they will repeat this cycle throughout the season. Applying mosquito control measures is the best way to break this cycle.
DO MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
In the U.S., the vast majority of mosquito bites are merely an itchy irritation. Such bites may only pose a threat if they are excessively scratched, which can lead to a troubling infection that requires a doctor's care.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions.
Some mosquitoes can carry diseases which can be transmitted to bite victims. The most common of these illnesses is the West Nile virus. People who are infected with this virus may experience symptoms such as stiffness in the neck, fever, headache, vision loss, convulsions, disorientation and paralysis. Medical attention is critical for anyone who exhibits these symptoms after a mosquito bite.
Additionally, some mosquitoes transmit dengue fever to their human victims. Immediate medical care may be required for people who are bitten by a mosquito and develop symptoms such as rash, nausea, vomiting and assorted aches and pains. Other illnesses that mosquitoes may pass on to people include Saint Louis encephalitis and western equine encephalitis, which also may affect horses. Also, it is worth noting that mosquitoes may give dogs heartworms.
HOW TO DETECT MOSQUITOES
Around buildings, mosquitoes can often be found under decks, and inside barns, garages, and sheds. Indoors, mosquitoes can be found in basements, crawl spaces, closets, hanging clothes, and dark secluded areas.
Property owners who are bothered by these signs are encouraged to seek mosquito control:
• Being besieged by tiny, flying insects • Itchy bites become a daily part of life • Mosquitoes are found congregating around food • Mosquitoes are found indoors • Frequently hearing buzzing sounds when outdoors • Standing water located anywhere on the property
HOW TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES
To help keep mosquitoes at bay, Newtown Termite & Pest Control recommends the following prevention measures that apply to most species of mosquitoes.
• Keep gutters clear • Get rid of any yard debris piles that might harbor standing water • Ensure that liquid in water features, ponds and pools is kept moving • Properly treat all water features and pools • Regularly change the water in outdoor pet bowls and bird baths • Eliminate standing water in flower pots, upside down lids, tires and other places • Backfill low-lying areas to get rid of standing water • Keep screens on all doors and windows • Use insect repellant and wear long pants and sleeves when spending time outside
HOW TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
To help limit exposure to mosquitoes and keep bites to a minimum, follow these helpful tips:
• Avoid long periods of time outside at sunrise, sunset, and early evening when possible, especially in rural locations. • Avoid wearing dark clothing • Avoid wearing perfumes and lotions • Limit the amount of skin exposure while outdoors when mosquito activity is heavy by wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts. • Use EPA-approved mosquito repellents • Help keep minimize the presence of mosquitoes when outside by replacing standard light bulbs with yellow "bug" bulbs.
HOW TO TREAT FOR MOSQUITOES
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we know that mosquitoes are much more than a mere nuisance and represent a potential health risk to you and your family. That is why we provide a thorough inspection, and then utilize only the finest professional-grade products combined with the most effective treatment methods.
To achieve the best results possible, Newtown uses a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing mosquito control for your home or business.
