What’s the Buzz?
· Mosquitoes date back over 100 million years.
· There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes.
· The journey from egg to adulthood (biting!) is about four to seven days.
· Only female mosquitoes bite us; they need the protein from blood to lay their eggs.
· Speaking of eggs, a mosquito lays 100-300 eggs at a time, and
they average between 1,000 to 3,000 in their lifetime.
· A few kinds of mosquitoes will fly only a few yards from their
breeding ground for a meal. More typically adults will fly a mile or
two to feed.
· The mosquito is actually the deadliest animal on earth, killing 725,000 humans each year.
Why is Mosquito Control Important?
· Mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
· Most people have the typical reaction to a mosquito bite and get
the telltale itchy red bump, but some people who are actually allergic
have what is known as “Skeeter Syndrome,” which can cause
blistering rashes, bruises, and swelling.
· We all know how annoying mosquitoes can be when you’re trying to enjoy your backyard and you have to keep swatting them away.
What You Can Do:
· Regularly empty ponds, bird baths, fountains, plant pots, buckets,
barrels, tarps, kids toys, pet water dishes or anywhere else that
water may gather.
· Clean out gutters to avoid standing water – examine them for clots
and damage that would cause water to collect.
· Drill holes in tire swings, trash cans or recycle bins so water drains out.
· Use soil to fill in low areas in lawns and landscaped areas where rainwater may collect and stand for more than seven days.
· Keep swimming pools clean, properly circulated and filtered. Keep
children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t
being used.
· Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
· Cut grass and shrubs short, as adult mosquitoes gather to rest in shady, cool areas. Keep your yard weed-free and avoid overgrown
vegetation.
Professional Assistance
· A professional service can help combat mosquitoes. They provide
an going defense and technicians can point to problem areas and
potential breeding areas on your property during treatment.
· Treatment is tailored to your property and conducted by certified technicians.
For further information, contact Mosquito Joe at 819-5555 or westchester.mosquitojoe.com.