Mosquito

image of a mosquito

Mosquito Control: Protect Your Home

Description

Most of the time, mosquitoes are not much more than the cause of itchy welts and minor discomfort, but they can cause serious illness.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  • Encephalitis
  • Dog Heartworm
  • Malaria
  • West Nile Virus

The Effects of West Nile Virus

West Nile is caused by mosquitoes feeding on infected birds then passing the virus with their bites. Traveling through the bloodstream to the brain, it causes swelling of the brain tissue.

Usually the illness is mild and causes:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

In more severe cases it can cause:

  • Encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Read more about mosquito diseases.
mosquito image

Call for service: (877) 250-3857

Detection

What Attracts Them?
Moisture
After any warm winter, spring bug populations will have a strong start– and all it takes is a little moisture to kick start a mosquito infestation. Western’s NY/NJ Regional Sales Manager offers some tips:

  • Water = mosquitoes: Walk your property from the woods to the street, and look for any and all sources of standing water.
  • Drain it: Anything that can hold or retain water needs to be drained and turned upside down. From old tires on a property to standing flower pots, they need to be drained or removed.
  • Don’t forget the bird bath: Bird baths look great, but it’s a mosquito swimming pool

Prevention, then Intervention

  • Exclusion: Spraying pest control materials is not the most effective means of controlling a mosquito outbreak. It is far more effective to prevent them from breeding in the first place.
  • Breeding: Mosquitoes lay hundreds of eggs at a time and gestation only takes about seven days.
  • Habitat: If they find standing water to breed in, it could mean several generations of mosquitoes in your own back yard.

Prevention Tips

There are several simple things you can do to minimize the risk of mosquitoes in and around your home, particularly if you have a pond or other water feature.

  • Clean water: Keep water fixtures such as birdbaths and fish ponds clean, and add elements that keep the water moving, such as a fountain if possible.
  • Habitats: Clean gutters regularly to avoid trapping water and creating areas where mosquitoes will potentially breed.
  • Natural predators: Work to attract natural mosquito predators, such as dragonflies. Try keeping guppies or mosquitofish in your pond as they will eat the mosquitoes and their larvae.
  • Maintenance: Maintain your lawns and gardens. Overgrown areas trap moisture where mosquitoes are likely to nest.
  • Standing water: Regularly drain and clean (or remove) things that hold water: pet dishes, wading pools, vases, or anything that may collect water, such as old barrels.

Learn more about Western’s comprehensive Home Pest Control Plans.

Call for service: (877) 250-3857