Too often, we first notice mosquitoes by the itchy bites they leave on our skin. Sometimes by the time we notice their bite-marks, the damage is done. If we’re lucky all we get is a painful itchy welt that might last for several days. But for many people, mosquitoes leave a lot more than external pain and discomfort.
Mosquitoes are notoriously dangerous. Their bites might spread viruses and vicious parasites. The list of diseases carried by mosquitoes seems to grow larger every year. Every time mosquitoes are researched we learn they’re even more dangerous than we previously thought.
The Good, Bad And Worse Mosquitoes
There are several types of mosquitoes, and they’re not all dangerous; certain types are safe while others are much worse. For instance, Asian tiger mosquitoes are much more dangerous than other mosquitoes. This is because Asian tiger mosquitoes carry nearly every disease that can be transmitted by a mosquito bite. This mosquito is technically called the Aedes albopictus, but locally, they’re sometimes called a “Zebra” or “Striped” mosquito due to their distinguishable white stripes. If you notice this kind of mosquito around your yard or inside your home, contact a professional immediately.
Crane Flies, The Giant Gentle Mosquito
On the other hand, the very large mosquitoes that are often seen around here are relatively safe. We call them Crane flies in New Jersey, and they look just like a huge mosquito. They typically feed on plant nectar and are about an inch from wingtip to wingtip, or about ten times larger than the Asian tiger mosquito. The problem is, if you have Crane flies in your New Jersey yard, it means the environment is also favorable to smaller and much more dangerous mosquitoes.
There are three major steps we all can take to reduce mosquito populations in and around our yards.
Reduce Breeding Grounds.
This means removing standing water. Mosquitoes will lay their eggs in any area of pooled water. Do your best to train puddles, tarps, tires, birdbaths, and gutters regularly to keep your population under control. If there are no places for these insects to breed, their numbers won’t increase.
Use Approved Repellents.
Mosquitoes find us through our breath. They might spend the hot days sitting in our Boxwood or Japanese Holly hedge-rows, but they don’t come to our yards to admire the landscaping. They come to our yards because they can smell and are actively hunting us! Simply by using a personal repellent during the peak of mosquitoes season, we can be sure not to attract the lion’s share of the local mosquito population. Look for repellants containing CDC recommended ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to apply these repellants to your clothing rather than directly to your skin.
Call Amco Pest Solutions Today
Initiating a mosquito control solution with your favorite pest control professionals is the best way to reduce mosquito populations around your yard.
It’s not just in New Jersey where mosquitoes are dangerous. Mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous animals throughout the world. There are many places where people are forced to live in the same environment as mosquitoes. But as pest prevention technology improves, we’re finding effective ways to limit our exposure to mosquitoes.
Amco Pest Solutions have the experience and tools to create a plan that’s right for you. We know how to effectively reduce acute mosquito populations in your New Jersey yard. Contact Amco for a free estimate and to find out how you can keep your mosquito population under control!