Mosquito Identification & Prevention

When it comes to the habitat of mosquitoes, one of the biggest considerations is sources of standing water throughout your property. Most of a mosquito's life cycle occurs in water, so when they find water sources in your yard, they lay their eggs there and lay the groundwork for an infestation. Mosquitoes can commonly be found in standing water throughout your property like overturned buckets or tires, birdbaths, toys, pots, and other areas where water can collect. 

Aside from their need for water, mosquitoes gravitate to cool, damp areas. That means vegetation throughout your yard is very enticing for them. Mosquitoes are often near shrubs and bushes, and they also like tall grass and garden plants. Awareness of these harborage areas can be beneficial in staying on top of mosquito populations around our Arizona yards. 

Most of us associate mosquitoes with the itchiness of their bites, but they're more dangerous than many of us think. As vector pests, mosquitoes can transmit a long list of diseases through their bites. Here are some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Chikungunya

• Dengue

• Encephalitis

• Filariasis

• Heartworm

• Malaria

• Tularemia

• West Nile virus

• Yellow fever

• Zika virus

When an infected mosquito bites you, there's a risk of contracting a disease, and that can be a scary reality to grapple with. The good news is you have the power to take the first step in effectively addressing your mosquito control needs. 

Not only do mosquitos feed on our blood, but they also consume plant juices and nectar. However, blood meals are their feast of choice. Female mosquitoes need the protein found in blood, so they use their elongated mouthparts to pierce the skin of their prey and feed on their blood.

If you want to be proactive in your mosquito control efforts, you can do several things around your property to reduce your exposure to these vector pests. Here are some effective preventative tips to help you protect yourself from mosquito infestation:

• Apply insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
• Eliminate any sources of standing water. 
• Wear permethrin or DEET-treated clothing. 
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Maintain well-trimmed vegetation and landscaping.
• Repair any damaged or ripped screens in doors or windows. 
• Use window and door screens to prevent entry. 
• Wear long pants and long sleeves when possible.

While these tips are a great place to start in your prevention efforts, the fact of the matter is that mosquitoes can still be hard to avoid. Not to worry, however, because we've got your back. 

If you think you may have a mosquito problem on your hands, the best thing you can do is seek professional assistance. Only regular services from pest professionals can guarantee the year-round protection you deserve.

H&N Pest Control is your go-to source for effective mosquito control services. Our pest experts know how to correctly identify the problem and then develop a targeted treatment specific to your property and your situation. We also put preventative measures in place to reduce your susceptibility to mosquito activity. Call us today to discuss your mosquito control needs; we're here to help.