Mosquitoes

What Are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitos are small flying insects belonging to the family Culicidae. They are easily identified by their slender bodies, long legs, and characteristic proboscis (long, tube-like mouthpart). Mosquitoes are known for their role as blood-feeding insects, with only female mosquitoes requiring a blood meal for reproduction.

Did you know only female mosquitoes are responsible for biting? Females need blood to reproduce. They also have a stronger proboscis (their straw-like mouth) than males do, allowing them to pierce the skin to obtain a blood meal and to consume nectar and honeydew like male mosquitoes.

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Although mosquitoes may only seem like an annoyance, they are actually considered the most dangerous insect in the world. They can transmit many deadly diseases. In the United States, mosquito-borne illnesses are less common than in other places, but there have been outbreaks of:

• Dengue fever
• West Nile virus
• Eastern equine encephalitis
• Chikungunya

We always recommend you protect your pets against mosquitoes with a heartworm preventative because it is the most common disease spread by mosquitoes in the Hampton Roads, VA area.

Why Do I Have A Mosquito Problem?

As you will learn below, two things are essential to mosquito survival; standing water and shade. A small amount of water, about as much as in a bottle cap, is all that is needed for a female mosquito to lay eggs. Shade is necessary because mosquitoes cannot survive long in direct sunlight because they become dehydrated quickly.

Where Will I Find Mosquitoes?

There are two common areas on a residential property where you will likely find mosquitoes. The first of these is standing water, which mosquitoes need to reproduce. The most apparent sources are ponds, birdbaths, and collected rainwater. However, compost piles and other organic debris can also hold enough moisture for female mosquitoes to lay eggs.

The second area you will find mosquitoes is shaded areas such as under trees, thick bushes, and debris. These areas provide the protection mosquitoes need from the sun to survive. Mosquitoes may also find their way inside through damaged screens and other openings, but they are more of an issue outside for people.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mosquitoes?

Whether there is an overwhelming amount of mosquitoes in your yard or you want to prevent them, you can rely on Diamond Exterminators and Crawlspace Solutions for all your mosquito control needs. We will use backpack sprayers to treat bushes, trees, and landscaping once a month from April through October. If you wish to plan a special outdoor event, you can ask about our one-time services!

Contact us at Diamond Exterminators and Crawlspace Solutions to find out how to get started with mosquito control and prevention or to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.

How Do I Prevent Mosquitoes In The Future?

Along with professional mosquito control services, there are several things you should do on your property to get rid of these pests, including:

• Reducing flowering plants, in which both males and females consume nectar from.
• Reducing shade by regularly mowing the lawn, trimming foliage, and removing debris will help eliminate harborage areas.
• Reducing stagnant water and, in turn, breeding sites by clearing the yard of organic debris like leaf piles, collected rainwater, and clogged gutters. Also, it is important to use proper water treatments in pools, ponds, and other landscaping features.

The best defense against mosquitoes in Hampton Roads is expert care from Diamond Exterminators and Crawlspace Solutions. Call today to get started!