Mosquitoes

(Culicidae)

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes and other flies are part of the order Diptera and are prevalent throughout much of the year in Texas. Our warm weather and humidity levels allow these pests to thrive and swarm our outdoor spaces in large numbers.

The mosquito has a thin body, long, slender legs, and an extended mouthpart to feed. Both male and female mosquitoes feed primarily on plant nectar, but females also consume blood meals. They require blood meals to create viable eggs.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests we encounter when trying to enjoy time outside. Mosquitoes swarm in large numbers and pepper people with their unrelenting bites, leaving behind raised, red itchy welts. Excessive scratching at the bite sites can lead to secondary infections and skin irritations.

While being bitten by these pests is not ideal, the more significant concern with are the diseases and parasites mosquitoes spread during the feeding process. Examples of the many diseases mosquitoes spread worldwide include the West Nile virus, malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. In Texas and throughout the southern United States, mosquitoes pose a considerable threat to our pets by spreading potentially life-threatening parasitic heartworms.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

Mosquitoes are flying outdoor pests, which makes keeping them out of our yards difficult. Mosquitoes are attracted to vegetation, flowering plants, shade, and standing water; all things that are Texas yards have to one degree or another.

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, so properties with or near drainage ditches, ponds, lakes, or wooded areas tend to have the most problems with these biting pests.

Dense tree cover, tall grass, lots of landscaping, and deck areas also attract these pests to a property. Many mosquitoes like to rest during the heat of the day, taking cover in shaded areas.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Wherever you find standing water, you will encounter mosquitoes. Any amount of standing water on your property can attract these insects. While mosquitoes are winged and can fly some distance, most tend to stay in the same areas where they hatch. Therefore the more areas of standing water you have on your property, the more mosquitoes you will have feeding and breeding on your property.

Everyday things mosquitoes use as breeding sites include:

• Tree stumps and woodpiles
• Buckets and flower pots
• Clogged downspouts and gutters
• Low lying areas and overwater gardens
• Trash cans and recycling bins
• The tops of tarps or soda can lids
• Inside tires and play structures

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are pests that make it impossible for people to enjoy their yards. Take back your Texas yard from mosquitoes with the help of Chase Pest Control. Through thorough inspections, effective treatments, and education, we can greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes feeding and breeding on your property. Since 1997 our family owned and operated business has been dedicated to protecting people and their properties from unwanted pests like mosquitoes!

If you live in Montgomery County and would like to learn more about ridding your property of  mosquitoes, reach out to Chase Pest Control today! One of our friendly professionals will be happy to go over our mosquito control services in the Conroe area with you.

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

When it comes to limiting mosquito numbers, it is best to partner with a professional. In addition to implementing professional mosquito control services in Conroe, TX from Chase Pest Control, the following tips will help you avoid problems with mosquitoes.

• Maintain your yard; overgrown grass and vegetation offer mosquitoes places to rest.
• Remove piles of debris (leaf piles, tree stumps, woodpiles) from your yard that can collect water.
• Store containers like buckets, flowerpots, wading pools, and wheelbarrows upside-down when not in use to avoid them filling with water.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris that allows rainwater to collect.
• If you own a pool, make sure it is adequately maintained.
• If you have a pond on your property, adding fish to it can help the water circulate, making it less attractive to mosquitoes.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management services.