Texas is one of the worst states when it comes to mosquitoes. According to the CDC, nearly 80 cases of West Nile virus, carried by mosquitoes, resulted in nine deaths in Texas alone in 2021. If mosquitoes have been plaguing you on your property, now is the time to learn to identify them, discover what mosquitoes are attracted to, whether they are dangerous, and why professional mosquito control is the best choice to control an infestation.
If these dangerous pests and their painful bites have taken over, Accurate Termite And Pest Control provides pest control in Austin to help you get rid of mosquitoes safely and for good.
Homeowner’s Mosquito Identification Guide
Austin is home to several types of mosquitoes, including these four common ones:
- The yellow fever mosquito is generally found on the coast and is active throughout the day. It carries the Zika virus and dengue fever.
- The Asian tiger mosquito is active all day and carries the same diseases as the yellow fever mosquito and the West Nile virus.
- The house mosquito is the one most often found in the summer. It is attracted to humans and the carbon dioxide that we exhale. It breeds on stagnant water, and only the female will bite people. It carries multiple diseases, including malaria and encephalitis.
- The southern mosquito is also very commonly found and is generally active at night.
With their long mouth sucking part called a proboscis, mosquitoes are quick and efficient at biting people for their blood and can transmit deadly diseases in the process. To identify the type of mosquito on your property, a pest control company can help.
What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?
There are many things that mosquitoes are attracted to, and understanding what they are can go a long way in controlling an infestation or preventing one from happening. In general, these are things that attract mosquitoes:
- Humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which unfortunately is a magnet for mosquitoes.
- Plants and flowers are attractants. Some plants that attract mosquitoes are water lilies, hyacinths, taro, and papyrus.
- Dark-colored clothes may attract mosquitoes.
- Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes because it provides a perfect breeding ground to lay their eggs.
Sometimes, keeping your property free of stagnant water and plants that attract mosquitoes is not enough. If your infestation is not going away, it is important to reach out to a professional pest control company before it progresses further.
Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?
In short, yes, mosquitoes are dangerous. They are the one pest that causes more deaths worldwide than any other animal. The list of diseases caused by mosquitoes includes the Zika virus, the West Nile virus, the Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, and malaria. Millions of people die every year because of mosquitoes alone.
Why You Should Choose Professional Mosquito Control
There are many reasons to choose professional mosquito control to eliminate an infestation. Experts can identify the type of mosquito you are dealing with, determine the extent of the infestation, create a treatment plan that is effective while being mindful of your needs, and help put your mosquito problem behind you.
Treating mosquitoes yourself can be hazardous, and an infestation can quickly come back. After treatments, your pest control company can recommend a maintenance program to keep your home and yard free of these unwanted pests. For the answers to your mosquito questions, from the most effective products to the best time to spray for mosquitoes, reach out to the experts who have the knowledge you need to get rid of these buzzing insects and their painful bites for good.
Contact a pest control professional today to best keep mosquitoes out of your house and yard. Mosquitoes can negatively affect your quality of life quickly, and this fast reproducing pest is a vector of dangerous diseases that can result in death. If mosquitoes have taken over your property, Accurate Termite And Pest Control can help you get rid of these hazardous pests safely and for good.