Of all the pests we face here in Fort Worth, few are as obnoxious as mosquitoes. They swarm in seemingly infinite numbers, they buzz around your head incessantly, and they bite which causes itchy red welts to appear on your skin. But, did you know that mosquitoes are more than just annoying? Unfortunately, they are dangerous, too. As they feed on the blood of a variety of animals, mosquitoes can harbor and transmit all sorts of harmful bloodborne illnesses. As such, you should want to do everything in your power to keep mosquitoes away from your Fort Worth property. After all, it’s your yard, and the threat of mosquitoes shouldn’t keep you from enjoying it.
Mosquito Basics
Mosquitoes are fly-like insects that are black in color with six long, slender legs and tube-like mouthparts that they use for feeding. In regard to feeding, only female mosquitoes feed on blood which means only the females bite. This is because they require a certain enzyme found in blood to create viable eggs. Male mosquitoes, instead, feed on plant nectars and other sweet substances. Even though it is only the females that bite, getting bitten by lots of mosquitoes isn’t uncommon, especially if you are doing something that attracts them more. That’s right, things we do or wear can attract mosquitoes to bite us. Unfortunately, there are also factors we cannot control that also attract mosquitoes such as blood type. People with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with other blood types. Furthermore, mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing, pregnant women, and people who have been drinking.
Threats Posed By Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the most dangerous animals on the planet due to the number of harmful illnesses they are known to spread as they feed on people’s blood. Although these illnesses are more prevalent in developing countries, mosquitoes have been known to transmit dangerous bloodborne diseases here in the United States, as well. Some diseases that mosquitoes might transmit include West Nile virus, Zika virus, encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Malaria. Mosquitoes have also been known to transmit parasitic heartworms to dogs which can be fatal.
Mosquito Prevention Techniques For You & Your Fort Worth Property
As mosquitoes can be dangerous pests to have around your property, there are steps you can take to keep from being bitten as well as to lower the mosquito populations in your yard. These include:
- Wear bright-colored clothing and avoid dark-colored clothing.
- Refrain from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Try to stay inside during dusk as this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Get rid of areas of standing water around your property by filling in low-lying areas, keeping gutters and rainspouts free of debris, and storing any lids or containers upside down to keep them from collecting rainwater.
- Keep your lawn well-maintained.
- Trim back any overgrown vegetation.
- Replace any white lights outside your home with yellow or LED lights.
- Install window and door screens around your home.
- Fix any holes or tears in the existing window and door screens.
Effective Mosquito Control Options
If you are dealing with excessive mosquitoes on your Fort Worth property, contact the professionals here at All-Safe Pest & Termite right away for assistance. We offer effective seasonal mosquito control services that you can count on to reduce the mosquito populations around your property. It’s your yard; you should be able to use it when you want without having to worry about the threat of mosquitoes. So, don’t delay. Give us a call now.