Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are annoying pests to have in your home or yard due to their biting habits and their potential to transmit diseases through their bites.

Of the 150 species of mosquitoes living in the United States, only a few pose pest or health problems, like Aedes mosquito and the Anopheles mosquito.

Mosquitoes start to become a problem as temperatures begin to rise in spring. The mosquito season lasts from April to September each year, although in some warmer states, this season can be a lot longer.

Preventing Mosquitoes in Your Yard

One of the most effective ways to control an existing mosquito problem is to eliminate any source of water in your yard, which could act as a breeding site.

It usually takes between just 10 and 16 days for a mosquito to develop from an egg into an adult.

Water is crucial for mosquito eggs to develop and hatch and by getting rid of water you can help to control the presence of new adult mosquitoes

Potential mosquito breeding sites in the yard:

• Flower pots
• Containers
• Bird baths
• Ornamental pool or pond
• Gutters – which do not drain properly
• Wheelbarrows

Any container that can hold a cup of water is enough to help develop mosquito eggs.

Keep your ornamental pond stocked with top-feeding minnows, which are a proven method to reduce mosquito larvae.

Protection Against Mosquitoes & Mosquito Bites

It is the female mosquito, which bites humans for a bloodmeal. Female mosquitoes require the protein from the blood in order to produce her eggs. Read more about insect bites.

Protect your home and family from mosquito bites:

• Avoid the outdoors at night time – when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear light coloured clothing – mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours
• Keep exposed skin to a minimum - avoid wearing shorts or short-sleeved tops
• Use fans – mosquitoes are weak fliers, so keep air moving around you to avoid their presence
• Fit fine mesh screens in your doorways and windows - block off their access inside your home

Find out more about how to get rid of mosquitoes or call Ehrlich at 1-800-837-5520 for more advice.