Hello summer! Hello mosquitoes! Hello South Jersey!
Nothing ruins a summer cook out more than unwanted guests – and I’m not talking about that one aunt who pinches your cheeks too hard when she kisses you hello!
As summer starts this month, the heat is building and we warm weather lovers continue to spend more and more time outdoors. So don’t let mosquitoes crash your party! The more you know about this difficult and persistent pest, the better you’ll understand how to reduce their presence in and around your backyard…
Did you know there are 180+ different species of mosquitoes in the United States alone?
In New Jersey alone, there has been a documented 63 different species. That means about one third of the total different kinds of mosquitoes can be found right here at home. Ick!
Although they have many differences, each species shares a 4 stage life cycle. This is why reoccurring treatments are best suited for dealing with the pest – but more on that later!
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult
Another commonality between species is that male mosquitoes don’t actually bite you! The female mosquito needs a blood meal prior to laying her eggs after production. The males typically feed on plant nectar.
Breeding – and where best to treat to prevent it…
Areas chosen for breeding sites and depositing eggs are species specific, but usually you’ll want to look for anywhere routine damp or shaded. This can include standing water such as bird baths, still water in a pool or pond, kids’ toys which act as a bucket for rain water, etc. Even an object as small as an upside down bottle cap left outside could provide a home to new mosquito larvae!
So what can you do to rid your yard of these pests?!
Once you identify the “hot spots” which can lead to breeding – and properly address them – if you are still having an issue with bites, you may want to start thinking about calling in the Pro’s like your friends at TermiGuard Services! Using a routine mosquito management program will arm you with education and a second set of eyes on your property to ensure the target areas are treated and all your efforts are getting their best results!
Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our pest control programs; our goal is to help you live outdoors again!
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