Mosquitoes
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What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are small flying insects that feed on plant nectar as their main source of food. Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of people and animals in order to gain the protein they need to produce viable eggs. Adult mosquitoes have narrow, oval-shaped bodies with long mouthparts (proboscises) and long, narrow legs. Their color patterns vary by species, but in general, mosquitoes are brown or black with white markings. Mosquitoes have a single pair of wings and can range in length from 4mm to 10mm.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous species of insects because they carry and transmit a variety of potentially deadly diseases. In tropical areas and developing countries, mosquitoes transmit malaria which is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. In the United States, mosquitoes transmit such diseases as chikungunya, encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Zika. In addition to the diseases they spread, mosquitoes swarm in large numbers which makes it difficult to enjoy spending time outdoors or in your yard. The itchy red welts that mosquitoes leave behind when they bite can sometimes become infected and require medical attention.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
The answer to why you have a mosquito problem on your property is that your home or business provides mosquitoes with a place to breed, feed, and rest. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water and properties near drainage ditches, heavily wooded areas, marshes, and ponds, or properties that have containers that collect water such as birdbaths, buckets, flowerpots, wading pools, and wheelbarrows tend to have problems with mosquitoes, as well as properties with flowering vegetation and tall grasses.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are generally most active at dawn and dusk when the weather is a bit cooler. During these times, they are seen swarming in large numbers around areas of flowering vegetation, standing water, or wherever animals and people are most active. During the heat of the day, mosquitoes seek refuge along fence lines, in areas of dense vegetation, in tall grasses, under decks, and under trees. Mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests but may find their way inside through open doors, torn screens, or windows.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
The best way to eliminate mosquitoes from your Colorado property is to partner with a local pest control expert. At Affordable Pest Control, we are committed to providing each of our customers with superior pest control services to meet their individual needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians always perform the most advanced, effective services. To learn more about working together to rid your home or business of mosquitoes or other household pests, contact Affordable Pest Control today!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
The following tips can help you to protect your Colorado home or business from becoming overrun with fleas and ticks:
- Make sure screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from finding their way inside your property.
- Eliminate any standing water from your property and driveway.
- Fix leaky pipes, outdoor faucets, and hoses.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts.
- Limit the amount of flowering vegetation on your property.
- Store containers that collect water upside down when not in use.
- Keep grass cut short and cut back overgrown vegetation away from the exterior of your property.
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