Professional pest control for mosquitoes may be required when there is a large infestation present, a serious risk of disease transmission, or when other mitigation methods have not been effective at controlling or eliminating the issue. If you are unsure whether you need professional pest control for mosquitoes, we recommend consulting with an expert at Smithereen to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
When is Professional Pest Control Required
Professional pest control for mosquitoes may be necessary in the following scenarios:
When there is a sizable infestation: If you notice an excessive number of mosquitoes in your home or yard, it may be time to call in a professional pest control company. We will be able to thoroughly assess the situation and suggest the appropriate treatments. - When there is a high risk of disease transmission: Mosquitoes are known to carry and transmit a number of diseases, such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Zika virus. If you live in an area where these diseases are prevalent, or if you or a family member have been bitten by a mosquito and are experiencing symptoms, it may be time to call Smithereen.
- When DIY methods have failed: If you have tried DIY methods to get rid of mosquitoes, such as removing standing water or using mosquito traps, and they have not been effective, it may be time to give us a ring. Our team has access to stronger and more effective treatments that may be the key to getting rid of the mosquitoes.
Benefits of Professional Pest Control
Professional pest control offers a number of benefits to home and business owners. Firstly, it can be much more effective than DIY methods, as professionals have access to stronger and more effective treatments that are specifically designed to target different types of pests. Additionally, professional pest control can help to identify the root cause of pest problems and provide preventative measures to stop them from recurring in the future. Pest control professionals are also trained to safely handle and apply pesticides, which can be hazardous to your loved ones and pets if not used correctly. Hiring a professional pest control service, like Smithereen, can also save time and money in the long run by preventing damage to property and avoiding the need for expensive repairs (from termites, for example). Overall, professional pest control can provide peace of mind by ensuring that your home or business is free from pests and the risks they pose.
Common Causes of Mosquito Infestations
If you’ve spent any amount of time outside in the summer or in warmer climates, you know that you can’t always avoid mosquitos. However, you needn’t be an expert to distinguish between a normal amount of mosquito activity and a full-blown infestation.
Some of the most common causes of mosquito infestations include:
- Standing water: Mosquitoes require standing water to breed and lay their eggs, so areas of standing water are a common cause of infestations. This can include items such as bird baths, plant saucers, and pet water bowls.
- Leaky pipes and faucets: Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, so leaks from pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units can create areas of standing water that provide an ideal breeding ground.
- Poor drainage: Poor drainage around homes and buildings can cause water to collect in low-lying areas, providing a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Overgrown vegetation: Plants and overgrown vegetation can provide shelter for mosquitoes during the day, making it easier for them to come out and feed at night.
- Trash and debris: Debris and garbage can collect water, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Weather conditions: Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid weather, so areas with these conditions are more likely to experience infestations.
By addressing these common causes of mosquito infestations, individuals can help to prevent them from occurring and minimize the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Tell-tell Signs of Mosquitos and Larvae
There are several things to look out for when you suspect you may have a mosquito problem, and some are more obvious than others. The signs of mosquitoes and larvae can include the following:
- Bites: Mosquito bites are a clear sign that mosquitoes are present in the area.
- Buzzing sound: The buzzing sound of mosquitoes is often audible, especially at night when they are most active.
- Larvae in standing water: Mosquito larvae are small, worm-like creatures that can be seen in standing water.
- Pupae in standing water: Mosquito pupae are the stage of development between larvae and adult mosquitoes, and can also be seen in standing water.
- Swarms: Mosquitoes often swarm in areas where there are many people or animals, especially at dusk and dawn.
- Presence of breeding sites: Areas with standing water, poor drainage, or overgrown vegetation are common breeding sites for mosquitoes, which can be an indication of their presence.
Health and Safety Concerns for Families and Staff
Mosquitoes can pose several health and safety concerns for families and businesses experiencing an infestation. Mosquitoes are known to transmit a variety of diseases, including malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, and others. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness and death. Some people can also have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, which can cause itching, swelling, and redness in the affected area. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can even occur, leading to anaphylaxis. Finally, as mosquitoes are most active at night, their excessive buzzing and biting can disrupt sleep, leading to sleep deprivation and other health problems.
Failure of DIY Solutions
Do-it-yourself solutions may seem like a quick and easy approach, but these options often fail when trying to mitigate mosquitoes for several reasons, including:
- Inadequate knowledge: The average person does not have sufficient knowledge about mosquitoes, their behavior, and how to control them effectively. Without this knowledge, DIY solutions may be ineffective, or even make the problem worse.
- Ineffective treatments: Many DIY mosquito control products, such as sprays and candles, may not be effective in controlling mosquito populations. These treatments may provide only temporary relief or no relief at all.
- Failure to address the source: Many DIY solutions only target adult mosquitoes and do not address the source of the problem, which is usually standing water where mosquito larvae develop. Without addressing the source, mosquito populations are likely to rebound.
Can Mosquitos Swarms be Prevented?
Mosquitos are a natural and unavoidable part of our environment; therefore it may not be possible to completely prevent swarms. There are, however, several measures that can be taken to minimize their occurrence and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. We recommend eliminating any areas of standing water around your home to help reduce mosquito populations and larvae.
Common bug repellents, such as those containing DEET, can also be effective in repelling mosquitoes and reducing the risk of bites. Installing screens on windows and doors can also help to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. When all else fails, contact us and we can provide effective mosquito control treatments, including larvicides and adulticides, to help reduce mosquito populations.