In Austin, mosquitoes are everywhere, which is precisely why it’s so important to know about these pests. Find out everything you might ever need or want to know about local mosquitoes, and you can take steps to protect your home from these dangerous pests.
Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes
As far as Austin pests go, mosquitoes are one of the most interesting. Their name means “little fly”, but they’re not actually flies. Throughout the world, there are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes and all of which pose a constant threat.
Although most people don’t differentiate between female and male mosquitoes, there’s one significant distinction between the two sexes; female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite, to feed their eggs. If you had a yard full of males, you wouldn’t need to worry about that.
You might also find it interesting to know that mosquitoes don’t actually people who eat sweets. They do, however, prefer people with certain blood types and high heat signatures, which females use to seek out hosts.
Mosquitoes Are Highly Dangerous
While most people realize mosquitoes are annoying, they don’t always know how dangerous these pests can be. They spread a long list of diseases, some of which are life-threatening. Zika, yellow fever, and dengue fever are only some of the diseases often spread by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes have been responsible for so many deaths that they are regarded as one of the most dangerous animals on the planet. Regardless of your age or health, you could be a victim of mosquito-borne disease.
There’s also a risk of a secondary infection. When a mosquito bites you, it leaves behind an itchy welt. As you scratch at the welt, you could open the skin and develop an infection. Some people are also sensitive to mosquito saliva and develop bad reactions to bites. Although these reactions are rarely severe, they are unpleasant.
What Mosquitoes Are Attracted To
By knowing what attracts mosquitoes, you can learn how to keep them away from your property. Mosquitoes seek out areas with standing water because that’s where they lay their eggs. If you have a small pond, empty bowl, or drainage issue on your property, you could attract mosquitoes.
Lush vegetation also draws in mosquitoes. Just as you enjoy your garden, mosquitoes will too. If you have tall grass, thick vegetation, or overgrown gardens, mosquitoes will thrive. The high moisture content of the vegetation is too much for them to resist.
Are There DIY Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away?
By making your property unappealing to mosquitoes, you can try to keep them away. So, all of the following could deter mosquitoes:
- Mow your lawn frequently
- Address moisture issues
- Keep vegetation to a minimum
- Clean up yard debris
However, that alone won’t keep mosquitoes away. You can try to plant citronella, basil, and other fragrant herbs to keep mosquitoes away. But this only makes your property less appealing. Some DIY methods of mosquito control are highly ineffective. Store-bought mosquito repellents rarely work. Meanwhile, bug sprays can be harmful to your skin and your health.
For that reason, you shouldn’t try to handle mosquito control on your own. You need professional help to deter mosquitoes.
What You Can Do To Keep Mosquitoes Away
If you want to protect your family and your guests from mosquitoes in Austin, you should call in the experts. Here at Accurate Termite & Pest Control, we can answer all of your questions about mosquitoes. When you’re ready to protect your property, you can rely on us to deliver ongoing mosquito prevention. Call us today to learn more.