Mosquitoes are insects that are related to the gnat and fly, and undergo the same stages of life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
According to authorities, there are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes wordlwide. Of these, it is estimated that some 200 species can be found in the U.S, with about 60 species of mosquitoes thought to be found throughout our region.
Of these, the two types of mosquitoes most often encountered in Pennsylvania are that of the Northern House mosquito (Culex pipiens) and the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
WHAT MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
• Size: 1/8-3/8 inches long • Shape: Narrow, oval • Wings: 2 • Legs: 6 • Color: Varies with species; gray, black, silver, green or blue markings.
WHERE DO MOSQUITOES LIVE?
While resting habits of mosquitoes vary with the respective species, most mosquitoes can commonly be found in tall grassy areas, along with weeds and brush, often close to homes, businesses, and other inhabited structures.
WHAT DO MOSQUITOES EAT?
Although blood can serve as a source of energy, adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar or honeydew.
However, blood is a required part of the mosquito diet, as it provides the necessary proteins female mosquitoes need for the production of their eggs.
ARE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
The level of aggression will vary according to its respective species, however mosquitoes can be thought of as being aggressive towards people overall, since most types of mosquitoes feed on animals and humans alike.
DO MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
Mosquitoes are said to be the most deadliest insects on Earth. This is due to being the carrier of a full range of potentially deadly diseases, which include malaria, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever, Yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis and encephalitis.
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 800,000 people die each year from mosquitoes worldwide, mostly from the result of malaria.
Although eradicated by 1951 in the United States mainly through the use of the pesticide DDT, today the U.S. experiences an average of 1,500-2,000 cases of malaria each year, mostly due to travelers. Since 2002, there have been eight deaths from malaria in the U.S.
In the U.S., mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of West Nile virus, LaCrosse encephalitis, Dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, and heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
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.
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.
OUTDOORS
• Drain rain gutters • Empty/remove pails, lids, tarps, or other objects that can hold water. • Keep water in birdbaths, children's pools fresh • Ensure swimming pools are treated and water is circulated often • Mow tall grass • Fill holes and low areas in yard that can hold water • Eliminate unneeded foliage especially near roofs which can clog drains
INDOORS
Help prevent mosquitoes from gaining entry with these tips :
• Locate and repair gaps in walls, doors, and windows • Ensure window and door screens are in good condition
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.
CONSULTATION
We first consult with our clients in order to get initial information, including general locations where mosquito activity is the heaviest or most frequently experienced.
INSPECTION
We then conduct an exterior inspection of the structure and immediate grounds for conditions that are known to be conducive for attracting/harboring mosquitoes as well as enabling them to breed.
TREATMENT
Our certified technician will then administer the appropriate treatment which will encompass a 100-foot radius around the exterior of the structure, while also focusing extra attention on resting areas and breeding grounds, including:
• Shaded areas • Sheltered areas • High-moisture areas • Bushes/hedges • Decks • Patios • Overhead foliage
