The traditional view is that these flying pests only thrive in hot and wet areas. But the latest research indicates otherwise. So, even if your back yard is dry and shady, you may deal with repeated mosquito infestations.
Nevertheless, heat and water normally increase mosquito activity. But to effectively control these pests, it’s important to know why they behave in certain ways. The more a pest control technician knows about mosquito behavior, the more effective that control will be.
Hot Weather and Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded creatures. They cannot control their internal temperatures. Therefore, they are dormant when it’s cold and active when it’s hot. That makes sense, right?
But not just any heat will do. The sun’s heat actually retards mosquito activity, because they get dehydrated. So, mosquitoes really come out in mid and late summer, when the evenings stay warm. By that time, these infestations are difficult to control. So, it’s best to treat for mosquitoes in the winter, spring, or early summer, when you do not see them.
Additionally, hot weather makes mosquitoes more dangerous to your health. Flavivirus viruses, like West Nile and Zika, incubate faster as the mercury rises. As a result, mosquitoes have more opportunity to spread these diseases.
The wild card here is that not all mosquito subspecies behave the same way. So, if we treat for mosquitoes and you still see them, that does not mean the treatment was ineffective. It simply means that you have a different breed of mosquitoes.
Wet Weather and Mosquitoes
Water is a lot like heat. As far as mosquitoes are concerned, there is a delicate balance. Too much rain or water will wash away or drown mosquito eggs. So, shallow pools of standing water often contain mosquito eggs. Without sufficient moisture, eggs and larvae both dehydrate very quickly.
Many people do not realize how much water, or rather how little water, mosquitoes require. Puddles and bird baths are not the only problem. Small spaces, like an overturned bottlecap or a children’s toy, can hold hundreds of mosquito eggs. The eggs usually hatch within one or two days.
Even if your yard is clutter-free, you may still see mosquitoes. As mentioned, these flying pests do not need water as much as we thought. Additionally, you have no control over the standing water in your neighbor’s house.
To get rid of mosquitoes and keep them away, call All Solutions Pest Control.
