Mosquitoes

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are a type of pest that is found living throughout most of the world. Adults have slender bodies, long legs, narrow wings that are covered in fine hair, and extended mouthparts (proboscis) that they use for feeding. Only female mosquitoes bite. They feed on the blood of both people and animals to get the protein required to create their eggs. Both males and females, however, use their proboscis for feeding on nectar and pollen, their main food source.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous pests in the world because of the significant diseases they spread. They have the potential to pick up and transmit a wide variety of diseases and parasites to both people and pets. In developing and/or tropical countries, they spread deadly diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. In the U.S., mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus, encephalitis, and the Zika virus. Mosquitoes also infect dogs with potentially fatal parasitic heartworms. Additionally, mosquitoes leave behind red itchy welts when they bite. Excessive itching of these welts can lead to secondary infections that may require medical attention.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

Mosquito populations are greatly influenced by the weather and other environmental conditions. Mosquito populations flourish when the spring and summer seasons are warm and wet. Hot, dry spring and summer seasons produce fewer mosquitoes, as they lay their eggs in areas of standing water and extremely wet soil. These deadly pests live and breed outside, meaning they can become a problem on any property, especially on properties that have standing water on them.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn when the weather is coolest, swarming around areas of standing water or flowering vegetation. Ponds, marshes, swamps, wetlands, flower gardens, or flowering trees tend to host large populations of mosquitoes. During the heat of the day, mosquitoes rest in tall grasses, in areas of dense vegetation, along fence lines, under trees, behind tree bark, or underneath decks and porches to escape the heat. Mosquitoes are outdoor pests, but sometimes they make their way inside while searching for food. They move inside through open windows and doors, holes in screens, and gaps around windows and doors.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

To eliminate current problems with mosquitoes, as well as prevent future problems, it is best to partner with an experienced professional. At Bugaboo Pest Control, our professionals provide customers with the residential or commercial pest control services needed to solve your unique mosquito problem. To learn more about our full-service extermination services that are offered throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware, contact Bugaboo Pest Control today!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

Mosquitoes can be an intimidating presence on your property in New Jersey or the surrounding area, but the following tips can deter them from your home or business:

• Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling in them.
• If you own a pool, make sure it is properly maintained.
• Store containers that can collect water upside down.
• Make sure doors and window screens are intact.
• Remove areas of standing water from your property.
• Keep grass cut short, and shrubs and bushes trimmed down.
• Empty and refill birdbaths, pet water bowls, and baby pools with fresh water regularly.