There’s no guest at a garden party that’s quite as unwelcome as a mosquito. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a picnic outside or just trying to sit and relax in a lawn chair, your experience will be ruined by mosquitoes. To prevent these pests from ruining your outdoor fun, you need professional mosquito control. Find out why this job is best left to the experts.
What Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are insects that bite and feed on blood. However, only the females feed on blood because they need it to develop their eggs. The males eat nectar and leave humans alone. Generally, mosquitoes are the most active between dusk and dawn. But some species are known for coming out during the day. Regardless of when they are active, they use signals to find hosts. They use carbon dioxide, scents, and heat signals to identify their targets.
The Dangers of Mosquitoes
Although the initial bite of a mosquito doesn’t come with pain or discomfort, the aftermath does. Most mosquito bites become itchy and get swollen. At times, a bite can become infected and result in cellulitis. But there’s another danger associated with mosquitoes. They can transmit diseases to humans. In fact, they are considered the most dangerous creatures on the planet. Depending on where they are located, mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Zika virus, among many other diseases.
DIY Methods Of Mosquito Control
In Columbus, people rely on many different DIY methods for mosquito control. Unfortunately, only some of these methods are effective (and none of them are fool-proof).
One thing you can do is to eliminate standing water from your property. Remove any dog dishes, empty pots, or other receptacles that can collect water. Mosquitoes will breed in the water, and their numbers will rise. But it’s not always possible to remove all standing water, so this method alone won’t keep mosquitoes away.
Another step you can take is to seal up all of your screens. Although this won’t keep them out of your yard, it will prevent them from entering your patio or lanai.
Some homeowners turn to citronella candles and tiki torches. Unfortunately, these are mostly ineffective and won’t solve your mosquito problem. While some mosquitoes will be deterred by citronella, others will persevere. And depending on the wind, the candles and torches may not work at all.
Some plants are unappealing to mosquitoes. By planting basil, catnip, and citronella plants, you make your yard less desirable to insects. But these plants alone aren’t enough to make your yard mosquito-free, and for them to work at all, someone needs to rub their hands over the plants to release the mosquito-repelling smells.
Finally, there are chemicals to eliminate or prevent mosquitoes. But these come with many risks, as harsh chemicals can be hazardous to your health. If misused, mosquito sprays and other products are dangerous.
Working With 1st Response
If you want real results, you need to work with a professional. The 1st Response Pest Management technicians understand mosquito behavior and know what it takes to keep the bugs away. Our technicians can safely handle any pest problem, including mosquitoes, using the right tools combined with years of training and experience.
Our program is a seasonal program that effectively reduces the mosquito population. By targeting your bushes, shrubs, and grass, technicians eliminate adult mosquitoes. They also go after eggs and larvae with mosquito dunks and other water treatments.
If you want to reclaim your yard from mosquitoes, take action. Your DIY methods will only get you so far. Here at 1st Response, our team will keep you safe from dangerous mosquito bites. Contact us to learn more about our mosquito control program or to schedule service.