Mosquitoes

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are small in size, but their impact is huge. A true fly, mosquitoes are just as annoying and persistent as other types of flies that invade our homes and yards. But, mosquitoes are even more problematic because they have been named one of the world’s most dangerous pests. The diseases that female mosquitoes spread as they feed on an animal or person’s blood can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

The primary food source for male and female mosquitoes is plant nectar and other sweet liquids. However, we all know that mosquitoes bite us, but why? The answer is simple; female mosquitoes bite us to get the protein they need to produce healthy eggs.

In order to feed, female mosquitoes insert their proboscis (a long, extended mouthpart) into the host’s skin and suck out blood. After feeding, a red, itchy welt develops on the skin of the person or animal bitten. The bites are itchy and constant itching may lead to a secondary infection. As the mosquito feeds, they can pass various diseases through their saliva, including West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, and heartworm in dogs.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

Standing water is the leading culprit for attracting mosquitoes to a property. Females lay their eggs on standing water. The more standing water there is, the more mosquitoes there will be. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water that has collected in natural containers like tree hollows or tree stumps or man-made containers like buckets, gutters, barrels, or pots. In addition to standing water, mosquitoes prefer properties with a lot of tall grass and overgrown areas of vegetation they can rest on.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Like other flies, mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, which provides the right environmental conditions for their eggs and larvae to develop into new adults. Since females lay their eggs on top of standing water, you can find them living in a variety of areas:

• Yards
• Marshes
• Wooded areas
• Fields and meadows
• Gardens and Flower beds
• Pools and ponds

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

If you live in the Denver or Omaha areas, the professionals at Beeline Pest Control are ready to help you reduce the number of mosquitoes living on your property. We understand that you can’t enjoy your yard when it's being bombarded continuously by biting mosquitoes. Our professionals know what attracts mosquitoes and how to keep them at bay. We take pride in focusing on our customers as individuals and customizing our services to ensure your specific pest control needs are always met. To learn more about our pest control services in Denver, or to receive a free quote, call us today!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

Prevent future problems with mosquitoes with the help of our easy and practical prevention tips:

• Dump out any containers that have collected rainwater.
• Store containers that collect water upside down when not being used.
• Clear clogged gutters.
• Keep grass cut short and cut back overgrown landscaping and vegetation.
• Wear a mosquito repellent when spending time outside in heavily wooded areas or when mosquitoes are most active at dusk or dawn.
• Make sure screens in windows and doors are intact to keep mosquitoes from lying into your home.

Learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Denver.