If you have ever experienced a mosquito buzzing around your head, you know how annoying they can be. However, did you know that they are one of the most dangerous animals in the world? It’s true: these insects cause more deaths each year than any other animal in the world. As the female mosquito bites humans and animals to nourish her eggs, she spreads diseases from malaria to dengue to chikungunya, Zika, and the West Nile virus.
As a Roswell resident, it can often seem like there is simply no avoiding mosquitoes in the warmer months of the year. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize their presence around your home. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the mosquito lifecycle, the threats they pose, and why professional protection is always recommended for mosquitoes.
The Life Cycle Of Common Mosquitoes
The four life stages of common mosquitoes are egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The life cycle begins when the mother mosquito lays her eggs in a pool of standing water. After a period of time ranging from a few days to a month, these eggs will hatch into larvae. These larvae ingest other microorganisms they find in the water for sustenance. Roughly five days after hatching, larvae will mature in pupae, a form similar to the chrysalis a caterpillar forms when turning into a butterfly. Finally, after about three days as pupae, the adult mosquito will ermerge.
Fully developed mosquitoes measure around 1/6 - 1/3 inch long, with six thin legs and their trademark long, thin proboscis which they use to suck both blood and pollen. Both male and female mosquitoes are pollinators, but only female mosquitoes suck blood, as they use it to feed their eggs. Once the female mosquito has ingested enough blood, she’ll lay eggs of her own, and the process begins anew.
No matter the sex, you’ll likely see groups of these pests by standing pools and plants. Their water and nectar intake is significant to their survival. This is why homes with lots of standing water around are most susceptible to mosquitoes.
All The Ways Mosquitoes Can Be Dangerous
When mosquitoes move from one animal to another, they don’t just suck the animal’s blood; they also leave some of their saliva behind. When they move from an animal host to a human, for instance, the saliva they inject into our skin can result in disease transmission.
Here are just a few of the many diseases mosquitoes are known to transmit to humans:
- West Nile virus
- Yellow Fever
- Dengue
- Zika virus
- Chikungunya
- Malaria
With so many potential problems they can cause, it’s imperative that Roswell residents take steps to protect themselves against these annoying and potentially dangerous pests. But that can be more difficult than it sounds…
Why DIY Mosquito Control Falls Short
DIY mosquito control methods can be ineffective for a number of reasons. At best, independent ways to repel mosquitoes will eliminate a few insects temporarily. That won't be sufficient if you’re battling an infestation. Water-based sprays that include vinegar, apple cider, basil, and other natural items are too weak. Commercial pesticides can be noxious enough to harm people, animals, and vegetation.
With all this in mind, it’s always best to consider professional intervention when it comes to mosquitoes. The do-it-yourself route can often be ineffective, or even make the problem worse. When it comes to mosquitoes, if you want longterm protection, you need the help of a pest management professional you can trust. You need Tuxedo Mosquito Control.
What The Experts Want You To Know For Quality Mosquito Control
At Tuxedo Mosquito Control, we offer affordable specialized treatments that you can’t find on a store shelf. They’re also safer than retail options. Our MistAway Gen III+ misting system is automated and tankless. In scheduled intervals, a low-risk insecticide will be released onto your landscaping. Existing mosquitoes will be gone, and fresh attempts will be blocked. All it takes is two to three sprays a day! Call now for a free quote!