Summer Pest Control for Mosquitoes

Are you also tired of scratching for days after spending an afternoon outdoors? Summertime in the Carolinas comes with various challenges, one of them being mosquitoes. Not only do they leave itchy reminders of their presence, they can also ruin an outdoor adventure or get together. But don’t cancel your ball games and backyard barbecues just yet; we’ve got ways to keep mosquitoes under control and out of your way this summer.

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Mosquitoes Love SummerTime

Like most insects, mosquitoes are a cold-blooded species. During cold, dry spells, they stop developing and can die, but the warm, humid summertime weather in the South creates the perfect environment for mosquitos to thrive. When the temperature rises above around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, mosquitoes are able to lay eggs in standing water, and 8-10 days later, a fresh new mosquito (or a fresh few hundred) emerges hungry and ready to eat.
 

Why Mosquitoes Bite

Believe it or not, only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes survive exclusively off of nectar, but female mosquitoes need the protein in blood to grow eggs—without it, they would not be able to reproduce. Their bites itch as a result of the histamine your body releases when it encounters the saliva a mosquito leaves behind. Almost all humans have at least a mild allergic response to mosquito bites.
 

Potential Harmful Effects of Mosquitoes

Generally, mosquito bites are just an aggravation, but rarely, they can be dangerous. Mosquitoes are vectors and are able to spread diseases between animals and humans. Several serious diseases can be spread through mosquito transmission, including:

• Zika
• West Nile Virus
• Malaria
• Dengue
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
   

How to Prevent and treat Mosquito infestations

There are several ways to prevent mosquitoes from invading your outdoor spaces. To proactively keep these pests away, you should:

• Remove any source of standing water, including clogged gutters, toys, plastic tarps or covers, buckets, and potted plant trays. Be vigilant in inspecting potential water sources as mosquitoes can reproduce in a vessel as small as a bottle cap.
• Check to make sure the screens in your doors and windows are secure and free from tears.
• Plant mosquito-repelling plants around your home like lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, basil, and marigolds.

In addition to preparing your backyard against mosquitoes, there are also a few steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes getting onto you and your guests.
 

Avoid mosquito bites

To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, try:

• Wearing light colored clothing, as mosquitoes seem to be attracted to dark colors
• Using EPA-registered repellent spray
• Wearing long sleeves and pants in areas highly populated by mosquitoes, making sure everything is tucked in so no skin gaps are evident
   

when to start mosquito pest control

Starting mosquito pest control at the right time of year is crucial to maximizing your outdoor fun this summer. In South Carolina, this means starting preventative measures as soon as temperatures begin to rise in early spring, typically around March or April. This timing helps to prevent the establishment of large mosquito populations before the peak summer months when mosquito activity is at its highest. Starting on time, or early, helps reduce the nuisance and potential health risks associated with mosquitoes throughout the warm months.
 

How to Treat your Home for Mosquitoes

When you’re fed up with mosquitoes interfering with your summer plans, and you’re ready to take back your yard this season, call Thompson Brothers for quick mosquito treatment. You’ll notice a significant decrease in mosquitoes right away, and this improvement can last for up to 30 days per treatment. Thompson Brothers also uses a repellent that is safe for pets and children, so don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information on this service. We can help you get back to enjoying your outdoor, mosquito-free summer fun!
 

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