Many homeowners in South Florida are battling mosquitoes for the majority of the year. These tiny bugs are some of the most annoying and irritating pests we have to deal with in this area. And while there is no doubt that mosquitoes are annoying, many people don't realize that they are also considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in the world.
At Mitchell Pest, we can help to keep you and your family safe by controlling the mosquito population around your home. Our Fort Lauderdale pest control specialists know the best way to handle a mosquito problem of various severity levels.
Mosquitoes Are Pollinators
While they are not as well-known as bees, mosquitoes actually play an important role in pollinating the local plants. This may also come as a surprise, but human and animal blood is not a mosquito's favorite meal.
Only female mosquitoes bite mammals in order to receive blood, and they only do it when they are ready to mate and lay eggs. For the rest of the time, all male and female mosquitoes live off of the nectar that they gather from various plants in the area. While they are flying from plant to plant, pollen will stick to and fall off of their bodies, which will pollinate other plants.
The Potential Dangers Of A Mosquito Bite
Mosquitoes in Fort Lauderdale can be extremely dangerous. While they are biting various animals, they can become infected with a wide range of diseases. These diseases then multiply inside their bodies and could get passed on to you if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of the most common types of illnesses that you can catch from mosquitoes in this area include:
Encephalitis
Denge
Tularemia
West Nile virus
Chikungunya
While malaria is one of the best-known diseases that mosquitoes can spread, it is important to note that the mosquitoes that are capable of spreading malaria don't live in the United States. Also, it is extremely rare, if not impossible, for Americans to catch the Zika virus or yellow fever from mosquitoes.
Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Yard
Mosquitoes like warm areas that have plenty of shade and plenty of water. Female mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. It doesn't have to be much water. Even a few inches of water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Some things that may be attracting mosquitoes to your property could include:
Flower pots
Old tires
Unused buckets
Wheelbarrows
Grass clippings
Tall grass in your yard
Clogged gutters
Compost piles
Mosquitoes are also attracted to our sweat. Studies have shown that the ammonia and lactic acid in a human's sweat can grab the attention of nearby mosquitoes. If you plan on being outside for a long time, you may want to limit the amount of physical activity to keep your sweating down to a minimum.
Also, mosquitoes seem to be the most active at dusk and dawn. If you are going to be outdoors, you may want to wait until the sun has completely risen or completely set first.
The Best Mosquito Control Solution For Your Yard
It can be tricky to completely eliminate all mosquitoes from your Fort Lauderdale home. Luckily, Mitchell Pest knows just what to do. We have years of experience dealing with pesky flying insects in the area. We can eliminate these dangerous bugs from your property for good. Give us a call today to get your free quote!