The northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens) is a major nuisance that can make life outdoors quite unbearable. Of the estimated 60 types of mosquitoes found in Pennsylvania, the northern house mosquito is the most commonly encountered species in our area.
WHAT HOUSE MOSQUITOES LOOK LIKE
Northern house mosquitoes vary in color from translucent to dark brown.
• Size: At adult stage up to one half inch in length and 1/8" in width • Shape: Cone-shaped • Wings: 2 • Legs: 6 • Color: Mostly light brown with pale spots with scales on the veins of the wings
WHERE DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES LIVE?
Northern house mosquitoes are attracted to water in the early stages of life. Once they reach maturity, they are found in any open areas nearest to standing water and damp places.
WHAT DO HOUSE MOSQUITOES EAT?
Northern house mosquitoes feed chiefly on the juices of plants. There are some adult Northern house mosquito species who do not feed at all.
ARE HOUSE MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
The northern house mosquitoes could be considered aggressive in that they suck blood from both animals as well as humans.
DO HOUSE MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Yes.
Mosquitoes rank number one as vectors of disease to humans. The major disease passed to humans by Northern house mosquitoes in recent years is West Nile Virus. Dogs bitten by northern house mosquitoes may contract heartworm. In horses, the danger of these mosquitoes is encephalitis.These diseases can be serious for those with compromised immune systems.
HOW TO DETECT HOUSE MOSQUITOES
Northern house mosquitoes breed profusely after rain events. These mosquitoes can generally be found around buildings, 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 HOUSE MOSQUITOES
To help keep the northern house mosquito at bay, Newtown Termite & Pest Control recommends the following precautions:
OUTDOORS
• Remove all potential damp spots indoors and outdoors • Keep lawns and shrubbery properly trimmed • Avoid standing water in bird baths and lawn fountains • Make certain lawns have good drainage to avoid attracting mosquitoes • Mow tall grass • Fill holes and low areas in yard that can hold water • When disposing of trash, cover cans
INDOORS
Help prevent mosquitoes from gaining entry with these tips :
• Inspect screens on storm doors and windows for points of entry • Ensure window and door screens are in good condition • Check for wet spots and leaks in basements
HOW TO PREVENT HOUSE MOSQUITO BITES
To prevent northern house mosquito bites try using a topical skin repellent. For outdoor patio and picnic areas, there are several types of mosquito repellents that work in the short term only. High temperatures, accompanied by high humidity, exacerbate the problems of Northern house mosquito breeding and infestation.
Additionally:
• 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. • 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 consider mosquito control problems to be an important issue that can decrease quality of life. We use a comprehensive system of inspection, recommendations and preventative treatment to reduce the discomfort and annoyance of Northern house mosquito infestation around homes and businesses.
Our experienced certified technician will inspect the premises indoors and outdoors to detect potential breeding. Afterwards, the best EPA-approved, professional-grade materials will be utilized to provide quick, effective control of northern house mosquitoes for your home or business.
