One of the most common pests faced by Dallas residents is the mosquito. Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t just common; they can be annoying and even dangerous, as well. That’s right, not only are mosquitoes an annoying pest to deal with but bites from them can sometimes lead to harmful bloodborne illnesses. Many Dallas residents have a lot of questions about mosquitoes. When you have pest questions, we here at All-Safe Pest & Termite have pest answers. So, without further ado, the answers to Dallas’s biggest mosquito questions.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite You?
When people think about mosquitoes, they tend to think about mosquito bites and the itchy red welts that they can leave. However, did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? That’s right, only female mosquitoes feed on blood as they require a certain enzyme found in blood to create viable eggs. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, feed on plant nectar and other sweet substances.
Is It Bad If A Mosquito Bites You?
Although most mosquito bites are simply annoying as they tend to result in itchy red welts on your skin, mosquitoes can transmit harmful bloodborne illnesses. Mosquitoes are considered to be the most dangerous animal on the planet as more people die due to mosquito bites than caused by any other animal. While this tends to affect people in developing countries more so than here in the United States, there are still cases of people transmitting dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses here in America. Some diseases that mosquitoes can transmit include West Nile virus, Zika virus, encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Mosquitoes can also transmit dangerous heartworms to dogs.
How Many Times Will One Mosquito Bite You?
Typically, a single mosquito will only bite you one time as this is enough to gather the required amount of blood needed to produce viable eggs. However, you will rarely only encounter a single mosquito. More often than not, you will be dealing with hundreds, if not thousands, of mosquitoes at once which means you can sustain many bites in a short period.
Can A Mosquito Bite Through Clothing?
Because mosquito bites can be so dangerous, many people are curious about what they can do to keep from being bitten. One common preventative measure includes wearing long sleeves, pants, and other clothing that covers exposed skin. No, mosquitoes cannot bite through clothing. Therefore, wearing clothes that cover more of your body can help to keep you protected from obnoxious and dangerous bites.
How Do I Stop Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes?
In addition to wearing long sleeves and pants, there are other measures you can take to deter mosquitoes from coming onto your property and into your Dallas home. These include covering possible entry points and removing areas of standing water on which mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. To accomplish these, you should:
- Fill in any low-lying areas around your property.
- Store containers that could collect rainwater upside down.
- Keep gutters free of debris to prevent pooling.
- Keep your lawn well-manicured.
- Remove any overgrown vegetation from around your property.
- Install screens in windows and exterior doors and mend any holes in existing screens.
- Replace any white outdoor lighting with yellow or LED lights.
In addition to these preventative measures, you should also consider partnering with the pest pros here at All-Safe Pest & Termite. We provide seasonal mosquito control services that utilize the latest and most effective products to reduce the mosquito populations around your Dallas property so that you don’t have to worry about being bitten. Don’t let mosquitoes keep you from enjoying your yard. Give us a call today.