Mosquitos

Mosquitoes are one of the best known summer pests because of their annoying biting habit. They are found throughout the United States with more than 170 different varieties in North America alone. Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis and West Nile Virus. West Nile virus has become a serious concern in recent years. There have been numerous deaths associated with West Nile Virus. Symptoms of this virus include fever, body aches, weakness, confusion, tremors and numbness. However, about 8 out of 10 people who are infected with West Nile do not develop any symptoms.

Mosquitoes become a major nuisance as they seek out humans for their blood meals. They hunt for food by detecting body heat and carbon dioxide that is exhaled by humans. Only female mosquitoes feed on our blood, males feed on plant nectars.

Mosquitoes breed in any stagnant water such as marshes, swamps, ponds, flood waters, storm drains, old tires and bird baths. They can also use remote breeding sites and are able to travel long distances. Control begins with eliminating areas of standing water in and around the property. Lighting should be kept away from the building as much as possible as it attracts mosquitoes. Homeowners should screen all windows and doors repairing any holes. Outside activity should be minimized between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Insect repellent containing DEET should be used on exposed skin. Wearing long pants and long sleeves can prevent bites while outdoors.

After a thorough assessment of your property, Presidential Pest Control will supply you with IPM -Integrated Pest Management suggestions and recommended mosquito control treatments best suited for your property. Control methods may include eliminating harborage areas, controlling mosquito larvae with insect growth regulators and controlling adults with a barrier protection program. For maximum control the barrier treatments should be repeated approximately every 30 days depending on weather conditions.

Questions or concerns- Call today to speak to one of our mosquito experts