Mosquitoes are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of both people and animals. Their bites deliver an uncomfortable itch that can last for hours or even days.
It’s difficult to enjoy the open outdoors of Elizabeth City, NC when you are being eaten alive by mosquitoes. They are an annoying inconvenience as they swarm, chase, and bite us with very little notice.
If you aren’t applying proper methods to help reduce attracting factors, you’re fighting a losing battle against the mighty mosquito. The best way to protect your property from unwanted mosquitoes is with the help of a mosquito control expert in Elizabeth City.
The Nature Of A Hungry Female Mosquito
The biggest problem with mosquito identification is the ability to see them before they bite you. Adult mosquitoes are gray, black, or brown in color, with white, silver, green or blue scales. Their oval-shaped bodies are about ¼ of an inch in length, with long, thin legs, and a single pair of wings covered in tiny hairs.
Male and female mosquitoes primarily feed on plant nectars. Female mosquitoes require proteins found in blood in order to create viable eggs. No one is immune to the bite of a female mosquito, as the very act of breathing attracts mosquitoes through the warmth, moisture, and carbon dioxide we release during exhalation.
Some people believe mosquitoes prefer to bite their skin more then others. While this isn’t always the case, it is definitely a possibility. Mosquitoes gravitate towards pregnant women, people who have been drinking alcohol, and people who have type O blood.
The elevated warmth of pregnant women causes their bodies to release an increase in volatile substances from the surface of their skin. Similarly, those who have been drinking alcohol cause their blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of their skin.
Since mosquitoes are attracted to warmth, they are easily drawn towards pregnant women and those who have been drinking alcohol. Oddly enough, studies have revealed that certain mosquito species actually prefer to land on people with type O blood nearly twice as often as those with type A blood.
Dangers Associated With Mosquito Bites
When mosquitoes are hungry, it doesn’t matter what your blood type is or how warm you are. Since no one is immune to their bites, that also means each of us is equally susceptible to the deadly diseases mosquitoes carry and transmit.
Did you know that mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous animals on the planet? Mosquito-transmitted diseases are responsible for more than one million deaths a year.
Some of the more common diseases in the U.S. include the West Nile virus, encephalitis, and the Zika virus. A large number of U.S. cases tend to produce mild symptoms, but these diseases can be life-threatening and should be taken very seriously.
How To Reduce Factors Attracting Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are drawn to areas that are conducive to breeding sites and resting spots. Reducing standing water and heavily shaded areas can make a world of difference in your outdoor experience.
Here are some convenient tips to help diminish the presence of mosquitoes on your property:
- Remove or rearrange any overturned items capable of collecting rainwater and dew, including flower pots, tires, and children’s toys.
- Make sure gutters are regularly cleared and in working order.
- Repair any leaky pipes or fixtures around the property.
- Eliminate overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, and organic debris.
- Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
- Apply effective repellents that contain DEET to skin and clothing.
- Avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn during peak feeding hours for mosquitoes.
Preventive measures will create a noticeable decline in mosquito populations, but it won’t eliminate them. The most effective solutions to your mosquito problems can only be found with the help of a mosquito control professional.
The Best Way To Keep Mosquito Populations At Bay
Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is committed to the elimination of your mosquito troubles so that we can bring you peace of mind. With over 100 years of experience in the pest control industry, our team has the knowledge and tools necessary to get the job done right the first time around. Albemarle Termite & Pest Control delivers exceptional customer service with fast response times and practical solutions. We take great pride in our business and our community.
Albemarle Termite & Pest Control treatments are safe, effective, and affordable. Contact us today to schedule your free home pest control inspection and estimate!