Born in the USA.. Mosquitos

So, let’s set the scene… It’s late afternoon, the sun is moving toward the west, and the temperature is perfect. You head outside with the book you have been dying to read, and you stretch yourself out on the lounge chair on your deck. All seems perfect in your backyard world. You crack open that book and are peacefully reading through page after page. As the sun continues its descent, you start hearing buzzing sounds as unwanted pests make their presence known. Before long, you are swatting at the stinging feelings you are getting on the exposed areas of your skin. Mosquitoes have entered into your backyard bliss and made it impossible for you to stay outside.

Sound familiar? Of the 2,700-ish types of mosquitoes that can be found world-wide, the United States is home to over 200 of them. That’s right, over 200 varieties of super annoying, blood-sucking mosquitoes are born in the USA. Thankfully though, only about 12 of these 200 spread germs that can make people sick.

Mosquito carry what!

In addition to ruining your backyard oasis, leaving bumpy, itchy red bite marks on your flesh, and having basically no redeeming qualities, their potential for causing serious illness is significant. Mosquitoes are known for transmitting parasites, like Malaria, and viruses, like the dengue, the Zika, and the West Nile virus, which is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Not only can they carry diseases that make humans sick, but some pets are also affected. Dogs and horses are very susceptible to several of the diseases that mosquitoes transmit. Included among these diseases are the West Nile virus, dog heart worms, and eastern equine encephalitis.

What does that really mean for us though? Well, since you don’t know if the mosquito that is currently biting your leg is just a nuisance mosquito or a germ-spreader, it is best to protect yourself from all mosquito bites.

How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Not sure where to begin? For starters, get rid of all standing water. Are the sprinklers filling up toys left in the yard? Did it rain last night and there’s water in a potted plant tray? Is there water collected on the tarp covering your bar-b-cue? Do you have a bird bath that needs to be emptied? Because mosquitoes prefer laying their eggs in different types of standing water, your outdoor areas might just be their ideal breeding ground.

Mosquito Lifecycle

Since mosquitoes can lay between 100 and 200 eggs at one time, their numbers can grow exponentially in a very short amount of time. Once all standing water has been removed, even amounts as small as a bottlecap, it’s time to bring in the professionals, or at least the products that professionals would use. HowToPest.com has a number of pesticides available that will help you prevent mosquitoes from taking up residence in your outdoor areas. If you are unsure which products would best fit your needs, fill out the Contact Us form and one of our licensed professionals will get back to you as soon as possible. Take back your backyard and any other outdoor areas that bring you joy. Your book and your lounge chair await!