The Buzz on Mosquito Control: How to Keep Bloodsuckers Away this Summer

It’s summertime, and you know what that means—mosquito season is in full swing! As soon as the temperatures start rising, mosquitoes come out hungry for blood. Is anything more annoying than trying to enjoy an evening cookout or backyard party, only to get attacked by swarms of mosquitoes? Those pesky bloodsuckers can sure put a damper on your summer fun.

Not only are mosquito bites irritating and itchy, but mosquitoes can also spread dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and more. Mosquito-borne diseases are a real risk, especially with outbreaks becoming more common. No one wants to deal with fever, rash, body aches, headaches, and other nasty symptoms.

Luckily, you can reclaim your yard and protect your family from mosquitoes without toxic chemicals. Our mosquito control experts offer effective, eco-friendly treatments to knock down mosquito populations and prevent new ones from developing. So this summer, skip the citronella candles and bug zappers—let us blast those biters away with proven mosquito control solutions!

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Why Mosquito Control Is Essential
• How Mosquitoes Breed & Attack
• Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes
• Mosquito Prevention Tips
• DIY Mosquito Control Options
• Professional Mosquito Treatments
• Our Mosquito Control Service Guarantee

Why Effective Mosquito Control Is Essential Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance–they’re a health hazard.

Just one bite from an infected female mosquito can transmit viruses, parasites, or other diseases into your bloodstream and make you sick.

Mosquitoes have likely been responsible for more human deaths throughout history than any other creature. Even today, mosquito-borne diseases kill over 1 million people worldwide every year.

In the US, mosquito-transmitted diseases are making a comeback as outbreaks become more common:

• West Nile virus cases rose 30% from 2016 to 2017, per the CDC, with over 2000 reported cases. West Nile can lead to fatal neurological diseases like encephalitis or meningitis.
• Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in recent years, causing birth defects like microcephaly if contracted while pregnant.
• Malaria was eliminated from the US decades ago but still threatens travelers visiting tropical locations.
• Dengue fever has emerged on the Gulf Coast, with local transmission now occurring in Texas and Florida.
• Chikungunya, a painful mosquito-borne virus, showed up for the first time in the US in 2014.

With international travel increasing, tropical diseases like Zika and dengue can now spread to the US via infected travelers and establish local transmission here. Climate change also expands the habitat range of disease-carrying mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases is through proactive mosquito control. Eliminating standing water breeding sites, applying preventive treatments, and reducing the overall mosquito population in your yard decreases your risk of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Relying solely on repellents and ineffective DIY options leaves you vulnerable. Getting professional mosquito control service is the safest, most effective way to defend against disease-spreading mosquitoes.

How Mosquitoes Breed & Feast on Humans To understand why mosquito populations easily get out of hand, you first need to know how these insects live and reproduce. There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, 176 occurring in the US. Mosquitoes go through a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages take place in water.

Adult Female Mosquito Behavior Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to obtain blood meals. They need the protein in blood to develop eggs. Some species prefer mammal or bird hosts, while others are less picky and feed on both.

A female mosquito will lay 100-200 eggs at a time directly on the surface of standing water or very slowly moving water. Common egg-laying sites include:

• Ponds, lakes, and marshlands
• Storm drains and catch basins
• Tree holes and stumps that collect rainwater
• Containers like bird baths, pet dishes, flower pots, old tires, etc.
• Clogged rain gutters

Depending on the species, females lay eggs every 3 days to once per lifetime. Certain invasive species like Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) are aggressive biters that get up close and personal with humans. They are active during the day and will follow you inside the house!

Mosquito Larva & Pupa Stages
Eggs laid in water hatch within days to a week into larvae, or “wigglers.” Larvae swim and feed on algae and microorganisms, constantly filtering water through their mouthparts.

Within 7-14 days, larvae transform into non-feeding pupae. Mosquito pupae are comma-shaped and active but don’t eat.

After 1-3 days, the pupal skin splits open and the adult mosquito emerges, ready to take flight and feast on blood!

From egg to adult mosquito takes anywhere from 4 days to a few weeks, depending on water temperature. Warmer water speeds up the process.

Mosquito Eating Habits Only adult female mosquitoes have the mouthparts specialized for piercing skin and sucking blood. Their long proboscis can penetrate clothing and pierce the flesh of humans and animals.

As they bite, they inject saliva into the skin. Mosquito saliva contains proteins that prevent blood from clotting and act as anticoagulants. This allows them to suck blood until full.

Mosquito saliva also causes the itchy bump and irritation associated with bites. Some people have severe allergic reactions to mosquito saliva, resulting in swollen welts and hives.

Male mosquitoes feed only on flower nectar just like other insects. But they don’t get off the hook that easy! Male mosquitoes still play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle.

After emerging as adults, males form large mating swarms near water sources where females come to lay eggs. During mating, the male passes sperm to the female which she stores to fertilize eggs over time.

Why Mosquito Populations Get Out of Control Now that you know the mosquito life cycle, it’s easy to see how mosquitoes proliferate rapidly into huge populations when given ideal breeding conditions:

• A female lays 100-200 eggs every 3 days. In ideal conditions with no predators or environmental factors, those can turn into 100-200 biting adult mosquitoes in less than a week.
• Multiple females use the same breeding sites, depositing hundreds of eggs. One untreated area like a clogged gutter can produce thousands of mosquitoes per week once multiple generations are reproducing.
• Mosquitoes develop faster in warmer temperatures with shorter life cycles.
• Some species have up to 5 reproductive cycles per year.
• Eggs are resistant and can remain dormant during winter, ready to hatch come spring.
• Mosquitoes have evolved to be masters of stealth and escape. They are difficult to swat, sneak into homes through tiny openings, and can detect carbon dioxide from humans at long distances.

With a reproductive capacity like this, it’s easy to see why mosquitoes can quickly take over a yard when they have access to breeding spots.

That’s why mosquito control can’t just focus on eliminating adult mosquitoes. Treatment must disrupt the life cycle and prevent juvenile development from continuing.

Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes Mosquitoes act as vectors that transmit a variety of diseases that can infect both humans and animals. According to the CDC, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading:

• Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria causes high fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, and more. Malaria kills over 400,000 people per year globally. It was eliminated from the US decades ago but still affects travelers.
• West Nile Virus: West Nile arrived in the US in 1999 and is now widespread, with annual outbreaks occurring during summer and early fall. Most West Nile cases are mild, causing fever, headache, body aches, rash, and weakness. But it can also cause fatal neurological illness like encephalitis or meningitis. West Nile kills around 200 Americans and sickens over 2000 per year.
• Zika Virus: Zika causes mild flu-like symptoms as well as devastating birth defects like microcephaly and developmental delays if contracted during pregnancy. Zika exploded across South and Central America in 2015-2016 and has caused outbreaks in southern US states, especially Florida and Texas.
• Dengue Fever: Dengue occurs in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, sickening up to 400 million annually. It causes severe flu-like symptoms and joint pain so bad it’s nicknamed “breakbone fever.” Without treatment, dengue can progress to circulatory failure and shock. Local dengue transmission is increasing in southern US regions.
• Chikungunya: This virus originated in Africa but caused outbreaks in Asia and the Americas in recent years. It brings on high fever and agonizing joint pain lasting weeks to months. An outbreak occurred in the US for the first time in 2014.
• Yellow Fever: Although eradicated in the US, yellow fever still threatens travelers to tropical regions of Africa and South America. Most cases are mild, but severe cases bring jaundice, liver failure, and bleeding. Up to 50% of severe cases are fatal.
• Heartworm: Spread by mosquitoes to dogs, cats, and wildlife, heartworm larvae migrate to the heart and lungs and grow up to 12 inches long! They can lead to lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and even death in pets if not treated.

The Zika outbreak of 2015-16 and more frequent West Nile outbreaks in recent years show how quickly mosquito-borne diseases can gain ground in the US. Reducing their breeding habitat and populations is critical to avoid getting bit.

Top Mosquito Prevention Tips Many homeowners want to get a handle on mosquitoes in their yard but don’t know where to start. Here are some DIY mosquito prevention tips you can try at home:

Drain Standing Water Mosquitoes need stagnant water to reproduce. Drain or get rid of anything in your yard that can hold water:

• Empty water that collects in pots, containers, toys, pools, tires, wheelbarrows, and more.
• Clear out clogged gutters so rainwater drains properly.
• Fill in ruts and puddles in the yard.
• Drain water that collects on pool and grill covers.
• Clean and chlorinate pools, spas, and fountains regularly.
• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent standing water.
• Aerate ponds or stock them with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• Divert runoff from downspouts so it doesn’t puddle.

Make Your Yard Less Inviting Trim overgrown plants and bushes to open up the yard and eliminate moist hiding spots for adult mosquitoes. Mow the lawn frequently. Mosquitoes like to rest in cool, damp grass.

Seal Home Entry Points Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Make sure screens fit tightly with no gaps. Seal cracks and openings in the home’s exterior that could allow mosquitoes indoors.

Apply Insect Repellent EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied to exposed skin when spending time outdoors. Reapply as needed.

Wear Protective Clothing When possible, wear lightweight, loose, long sleeve shirts and long pants outdoors to cover up. Mosquitoes can bite through tight and thin clothes.

Use Oscillating Fans Outdoors The gentle breeze from oscillating fans can help deter mosquitoes from lingering on your patio or deck.

Try Mosquito Traps Traps like the Mosquito Magnet use warm air, moisture, and other cues to attract and suck in mosquitoes. They capture some mosquitoes, but have limited impact on populations.

Common DIY Mosquito Control Techniques (And Why They Don’t Work) We know how much of a pain mosquitoes are, so it’s tempting to try quick DIY solutions like:

Citronella Candles & Torches – Citronella oil does have a mild repellent effect. But candles and torches don’t project scent far enough to repel mosquitoes more than a couple feet away.

Bug Zappers – The flashing lights lure in many harmless bugs like moths while only trapping a few mosquitoes. Zappers won’t put a real dent in mosquito swarms.

Bats & Purple Martins – Many people believe these insectivorous birds control mosquitoes. But studies show bats and martins prefer larger insects, with mosquitoes making up just 3-5% of their diet. They eat very few mosquitoes overall.

Garlic & Vitamin B – Some claim eating garlic or taking B vitamins wards off mosquitoes, but studies don’t back this up. Garlic and B vitamins likely won’t make you any less attractive to mosquitoes.

While the above methods may seem worth trying, none of them truly kill mosquitoes or halt breeding. At best they make a small, temporary dent.

Powerful chemical insecticides available at home improvement stores can kill adult mosquitoes, but often have harsh fumes and ingredients linked to cancer, reproductive damage, and other health risks. They require careful handling and usually cannot be used near edible gardens.

So when standard DIY options fail to solving a mosquito infestation, it’s time to call the pros!

Why Professional Mosquito Treatments Are Best For effective control, you need:

1. To stop juvenile mosquitoes from developing into adults
2. Kill off adult mosquitoes
3. Prevent future generations from breeding

Over-the-counter products are only designed to kill adult mosquitoes, not halt breeding. Professional pest control companies have commercial-grade insecticides and innovative application methods to control all stages of mosquito development.

The most successful mosquito control relies on:

• Powerful larvicides that kill larvae in water before they pupate and become adults. This stops the life cycle.
• Residual barrier sprays that kill adult mosquitoes on contact and last for weeks after application.
• Quick knockdown foggers that kill mosquitoes already flying around your property.
• Insect growth regulators that prevent larvae from maturing into adults for long periods.
• Customized solutions based on the mosquito species infesting the area. Different species have different behaviors requiring unique control methods.

Pro pest technicians first inspect your property to locate all potential breeding spots. They apply targeted treatments based on their expert knowledge of mosquito biology and behavior.

Professional control lets you enjoy your yard all season long mosquito-free. When outdoor living and playing during summer is a priority, effective mosquito management is a must!

Our Mosquito Control Service Guarantee We want your family to reclaim your backyard and outdoor fun without worrying about mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. Our customized mosquito treatments keep yards pest-free and enjoyable all season long.

If you’re frustrated with recurring mosquito problems, we guarantee our mosquito control services will:

• Reduce mosquitoes by 80-90% or more
• Prevent new generations from developing
• Allow for more carefree time enjoying your yard
• Use family-friendly and pet-safe application methods
• Keep working for weeks per application
• Keep mosquito populations under control with regular service
• Help protect against West Nile, Zika, and other mosquito-borne diseases

Don’t waste another day swatting and itching. Our expert exterminators know how to find mosquito breeding grounds in obscure places and treat them. Having a pest control professional handle mosquito infestations is the #1 way to get relief.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our mosquito control experts! They will tailor a plan specific to the mosquito species infesting your property.

Take back your yard and enjoy your outdoor living space again free of irritating and disease-carrying pests. Don’t let mosquitoes keep your family stuck indoors this summer.