If you’ve spent any time in Edisto Island, or anywhere around South Carolina, you know that mosquitoes are everywhere. Our warm, humid climate makes the perfect habitat for mosquitoes and with as warm as it is down here, mosquito season can feel like it lasts forever. Mosquitoes are small, less than 1/2 inch long. They have six legs, long mouthparts, and vary in color from grey to black. Some also have white, blue, or green markings. While it may feel like every mosquito is out to get you, it is only the females that feed on humans because they require a blood meal to be able to breed.
Given how common mosquitoes are in our area, chances are you've experienced a mosquito bite, and know how annoying and itchy these bites can be. Unfortunately, annoying bites aren’t the only issue with mosquitoes. Find out what makes the mosquito so dangerous, and learn about our home pest control programs for dealing with mosquitoes.
The Dangers Of Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous pests in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that more than a million people a year die from mosquito bites. The good news for South Carolinians is that most of those deaths are related to malaria, which is no longer a major issue in America. However, there are other diseases that mosquitoes spread that are a concern for us here in the Palmetto State, including:
- West Nile virus
- Dengue fever
- Eastern equine encephalitis
Mosquitoes can also spread heartworm disease to dogs and people, another health concern and reason to keep them away.
How To Keep Mosquitoes Off Your Property
Controlling flying pests like mosquitoes can be difficult. Because barriers like fences don’t work, the best way to prevent mosquitoes is to make your property a less desirable landing spot. Because standing water is necessary for mosquitoes to breed, eliminating standing water is critical to keeping mosquitoes away.
All mosquitoes need for breeding is 1/4 inch of water. Pay attention to these areas around your home and property where water may collect and attract mosquitoes:
- Pool covers
- Empty flower pots
- Birdbaths (change the water frequently)
- Old tires
- Low-lying areas
- Kiddie pools
Any other areas where water can collect can also attract mosquitoes to your property. Be on the lookout for any areas of standing water and take steps to eliminate those areas.
How To Avoid Mosquitoes Outside
It may be possible to control standing water and eliminate mosquitoes around your home and property, but that isn’t always the case when you are out and about. If you are going to enjoy a day in the great outdoors during mosquito season, consider these tips to limit your exposure to mosquitoes:
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET.
- Avoid scented perfumes, soaps, and lotions that attract mosquitoes.
- Wear long sleeves and pants that are lightly colored and made of tightly woven fabric.
- Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
If you are hosting an outdoor event, you should also consider using small fans to drive mosquitoes away, since they are not strong fliers.
Work With Professionals
When it comes to keeping mosquitoes under control, there is no substitute for professional mosquito control. At Apex of Edisto Pest Management, our exterminators are trained in mosquito elimination. Our plans include one-time treatments that can be used to eliminate mosquitoes before big events, or monthly treatments throughout mosquito season.
These treatments include using larvicide in areas of standing water that can’t be eliminated, spraying areas where mosquitoes land, and using traps where spraying isn’t possible. We will use all these tools to make sure that your home and family are safe from the dangers of mosquitoes. We also offer commercial pest management solutions. View our pest control service areas near Edisto Island and request a service visit today!