ABOUT MOSQUITOES
The two types of mosquitoes most often encountered in Warminster and throughout the Pennsylvania and area that of the Northern House mosquito and the Asian Tiger mosquito.
In most instances, mosquitoes are merely a nuisance due to their annoying buzzing and tendency to leave behind itchy bites. However, It may also be possible for mosquitoes to transmit numerous troubling illnesses. Mosquito populations are difficult to manage, making professional mosquito control in a necessity..
APPEARANCE
The mosquito averages between 1/8 and 3/4 of an inch in length. They have long legs and slender bodies. With a single pair of similarly long, slender wings, mosquitoes are well-equipped for flying. The round head has a prominent proboscis, which the mosquito uses for feeding. Only the female has the essential mouth parts for drawing blood. Accordingly, the itchy bite of the insect only comes from the female.
HABITATS
Mosquitoes prefer standing, and ideally stagnant, water in which to lay their eggs. A few millimeters of still water will suffice. Accordingly, mosquito young may be found in planters that have an excess of water, in puddles or in the bottom of buckets. Drainage ditches are another popular place for laying eggs. Ponds, lakes and fountains can all provide the right conditions for hosting mosquito young.
Mosquitoes are drawn to hot, humid conditions, which can intensify infestations during the warm summer months.
PROBLEMS WITH MOSQUITOES
When mosquitoes find an optimum habitat, they are able to reproduce in great numbers. A single female may be able to lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs, depending upon the particular species. People and animals within the vicinity of a major hatch will be harassed with buzzing and itchy bites, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
DIET
Female mosquitoes do not consume blood for their own sustenance. Instead, males and females eat various plant sugars and nectars. The blood that the female extracts from victims is used to provide essential protein to generate and nourish mosquito eggs.
BEHAVIOR
Mosquitoes tend to be nocturnal. Accordingly, people are most susceptible to being bitten when they are outdoors at dawn and dusk or during the nighttime hours. The insect is less likely to be active during the day because they are extremely sensitive to sunlight, which can quickly dry them out to the point of desiccation. Still, when conditions are overcast or in places where there is ample shade, the mosquito can be a nuisance during the day.
Mosquitoes are well-equipped to detect carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Humans emit this gas with every exhalation, making it easy for female mosquitoes to locate a target. A blood meal can cause the mosquito to experience a 140 percent weight gain.
HEALTH ISSUES
Mosquitoes are regarded as the deadliest creature on Earth thanks to the number of dangerous diseases that they transmit.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, or EEEV, has been diagnosed in people in the Northeast. The virus has few symptoms, but may prove to be fatal if untreated. Cases of chikungunya virus also have been detected in the region. Most of these cases originated in the Caribbean, but once a person is infected, a subsequent mosquito bite can pick up the virus so that it can be spread to others in the local area. West Nile virus similarly has been diagnosed throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
People in and around Warminster also may be subject "skeeter syndrome." Essentially, this is a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites. It occurs most frequently in people who have autoimmune disorders and young children. Symptoms include fever, severe itching, blisters, generalized swelling, infected skin tissue from excessive scratching, asthma and anaphylaxis. This condition requires immediate medical attention..
SIGNS OF A MOSQUITO INFESTATION
When these signs are present, property owners may be dealing with a mosquito infestation:
• The distinctive buzzing of the mosquito's wings in and around structure
• Itchy, red bumps on people and animals
• Large numbers of mosquitoes hovering over fruit kept on counters or tables
PREVENTION TIPS
It may be possible to minimize exposure to mosquitoes by using the following tips:
• Eliminate standing water in yards and gardens
• Repair holes in window and door screens
• Do not leave unscreened windows and doors open
• Place fish in ponds and fountains to consume mosquito eggs
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Getting rid of a mosquito infestation typically integrates several treatment methods. Because mosquitoes thrive in multiple places and various conditions, it is critical that all of these situations are addressed. Additionally, it is impossible to control what nearby neighbors do on their property.
For these reasons it is rarely possible for the average home or business owner to eradicate a mosquito infestation on their own. Instead, it is advisable to seek out a pest control professional.
At Safeguard, our trained technicians have the knowledge and equipment necessary to provide reliable mosquito control.
Our staff of certified technicians will administer treatment in a 100-foot radius of the exterior of the structure. Attention will also be focused on potential resting and breeding areas. These include:
• High moisture content areas
• Bushes and hedges
• Areas where constant shade is found
• Around decks and patios
• Trees in close proximity of roofs and structures
