Warmer weather makes spending time outdoors a breeze, but it also means mosquitoes are more active. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the number of mosquitos buzzing around your property throughout the year. You just need to know where to start, and your trusted Edisto Island pest control experts are here to help. Let’s take a look at why mosquitos are so troublesome for homeowners, what brings them to your property, and what you can do to keep them from making your outdoor time uncomfortable.
Mosquito Means ‘Little Fly’
The term mosquito comes from the Spanish and Portuguese languages, drawing its origin from the term ‘mosca’ or ‘fly.’ Mosquito simply means ‘little fly,’ which makes them sound relatively harmless. After all, they buzz around just like house flies and show up when you really wish they wouldn’t, but they’re much smaller than the average house fly.
Mosquitoes Are Considered The Most Dangerous Insect
Despite their relatively harmless-sounding name, mosquitoes are widely considered the most dangerous insect. This is because different types of mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile Virus and encephalitis that can infect humans and heartworm that can infect dogs.
Mosquitoes have the potential to transmit diseases to humans and animals alike through their bites. Though there’s no guarantee that mosquito bites will lead to disease, finding ways to reduce your risk of exposure is still in your best interest.
Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Property
Mosquitoes aren’t terribly picky about where they lay eggs and spend their time, but there are a few key things that actively attract them to your property.
Here are a few of the top factors that act like beacons for these annoying Edisto Island pests:
- Standing water: Mosquitoes love standing water like still pools, ponds, dog water dishes, bird baths, puddles, and even potted plants with pooling water around their bases. They tend to lay eggs in those still pools and can easily lay eggs in puddles the size of a quarter. If you have a pond or pool on your property, install an aeration device to keep the water moving and clean up any standing water as soon as you find it.
- Clogged and dirty gutters: Your gutters help funnel excess water away from your home, but they can easily fill up with plant debris. That plant debris traps moisture and creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and breed. Cleaning your gutters at least once a season can help reduce your risk of mosquitoes.
- Yard waste: Yard waste like grass clippings, leaf piles, compost bins, and thick plant life can also trap moisture and create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The best thing you can do is keep your yard clean and properly dispose of yard waste.
- Poorly manicured landscaping: If you have areas with incredibly dense or thick vegetation in your yard, those areas can also trap moisture and attract mosquitoes. The best thing you can do is keep your landscaping properly trimmed back and under control.
Finding ways to reduce attractants can help keep your yard mosquito-free during the warmer months, but it may not always be enough to eliminate existing mosquitoes.
The Most Effective Mosquito Control For Your Property
While finding ways to reduce the factors that draw mosquitoes to your property is always a good idea, it may not be enough to keep your yard free from mosquitoes. The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to schedule mosquito control services on Edisto Island with us.
At The Apex of Edisto Pest Management, our dedicated team knows that mosquitoes can ruin an otherwise perfect evening outdoors. We’ll assess the extent of the infestation, identify the main problem areas, and use an effective treatment to help give you and your loved ones some peace of mind anytime you’re outside. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services on Edisto Island.