Do you need to schedule a mosquito control service? These common summertime pests may not invade your home’s interior — but this doesn’t mean you can let an exterior infestation go. If you’re not sure whether to hire an exterminator for this type of problem, take a look at the top mosquito and pest control questions many homeowners have.
Are All Mosquitoes the Same?
Mosquitoes vary by country and region of the world or within the United States. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. is home to nearly 200 species of mosquitoes. Each species lives in its own preferred type of habitat or geographic region, bites different animals, and has its own set of behaviors.
While all mosquitoes need water to breed, they don’t all lay their eggs in the same type of water source. These sources can include (but aren’t limited to) temporary pools or puddles, swamps, marshes, buckets, outdoor toys, tree holes, or planter pots.
If you suspect your yard or home’s exterior area has a mosquito problem, the first step is proper identification. A well-trained pest control professional knows where to look for the common species of mosquitoes in your geographic area.
Are Mosquitoes Really a Problem?
Unlike termites or carpenter ants, mosquitoes won’t cause serious damage to your home. They also aren’t likely to invade interior structures, making them seem like less of a problem than rodents, ants, or cockroaches. Even though mosquitoes won’t cost you money in property damage, these pests are still problematic.
Of the almost 200 species of mosquitoes found in the United States, only 12 spread diseases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This might not seem like a major threat—but infected mosquitoes are responsible for several different types of human infections. These include Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and chikungunya viruses.
Along with illness risks, mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable. If you don’t want to spend your summer scratching after backyard barbecues and other outdoor activities, you may need to hire a pest professional to control your home’s mosquito population.
Why Should You Consider a Pest Control Service for Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are common during the warmer and damper summer months. The sight of these flying invaders doesn’t necessarily mean you need to schedule an extermination service immediately. But there are some times when a professional mosquito control treatment makes sense. These include:
- Larger infestations. While no magic number of mosquitoes necessitates a pest control service, larger infestations or constant problems require treatment. A swarm of these pests or more than just a few bites are red flags to look for.
- An outdoor event. Do you have a backyard barbecue, graduation party, birthday party, or other outdoor event in the near future? Don’t force your guests to spend the day swatting mosquitoes away. Instead, schedule a pest control service to reduce the risks and keep your family and friends comfortable outdoors.
- A known infection issue. Are cases of West Nile virus or another mosquito-borne disease on the rise in your area? If the local health department or other similar agency has already issued a warning, a professional extermination is an option to seriously explore.
- Failed preventative measures. Remove standing water to reduce the likelihood of a mosquito infestation. While this preventative method is a primary way to stop these pests from breeding, you may have missed a pool or puddle.
If you’re still not sure whether your home’s exterior needs a mosquito treatment or not, call a professional. A pest control contractor can inspect and evaluate your yard and recommend the next steps to take or a treatment.
Do you have an outdoor event you need to prepare for? Contact Mosquito Masters for more information.