While there are some pests in the Fort Worth, Texas area that are mostly just a nuisance, the mosquito is not one of these species. Mosquitos are dangerous animals, and dealing with them around your property can put yourself and others at risk. Not to mention the fact that mosquitoes can be very annoying as they buzz around and leave behind itchy bites.
Mosquitoes are best identified by the long, nose-like appendage they have called a proboscis. They use this to drink blood and nectar, but it's actually only the females of the species that drink blood from hosts. Most mosquitoes are a grayish color, but the markings can vary. They have long, thin bodies and six, gangly legs.
These tiny flying pests can be difficult to deal with because they are often endemic in certain areas. They need access to standing water because this is where they lay their eggs, so living near things like lakes or even rivers can mean you’re dealing with mosquitoes often. Mosquitoes also thrive in areas with a lot of foliage as they rest in the shade of leaves during the day.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
While there are other dangerous pests, like rodents, in the area mosquitoes are potentially the worst. They are one of the deadliest animals in the world, even if mosquito-borne illnesses aren’t as common in Texas as in some places across the globe. However, mosquito-borne illnesses are still a threat, and it’s important to do what you can to avoid being bitten.
Some of the illnesses mosquitoes are known to transmit include the Zika virus, malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people, and the bite marks can become infected or inflamed by constant scratching and itching.
Five Mosquito Prevention Tips For Your Yard
Things like candles and mosquito repellants might have a temporary effect but they don't actually eliminate mosquitoes. There is only one way to make a dent in the number of mosquitoes making themselves at home around your home or business and that is preventing them in the first place. Overall, the best way to help prevent mosquitoes is to remove factors around your property that attract them.
To keep mosquitoes away, you can follow these five steps:
- Remove standing water from your yard and address drainage issues such as blocked gutters.
- Keep bushes, trees, and shrubs trimmed on a regular basis to reduce areas where mosquitoes can rest.
- Clear yard debris such as leaf piles and grass clippings and regularly mow your lawn.
- If you have water features like pools and hot tubs, ensure that they are kept clean and that the water is cycled.
- The best way to keep mosquitoes away from your property in the long term is with help from the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
Protect Your Property From Dangerous Mosquitoes
Because mosquitoes can become widespread and reproduce quickly, it can be difficult to control them using only DIY prevention. While these measures do help, the most effective way to greatly reduce the mosquito population around your property is with the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
Our trained technicians will inspect your property and work with you to create an ongoing treatment plan. We even offer free estimates, so contact us today to get started.