Mosquitoes are flying insects that thrive in warm climates and commonly disrupt outdoor activities. The males and females both consume juices from plants and nectar. The females also seek the blood of humans of animals to stabilize their protein levels for reproduction, which involves laying eggs. Aside from delivering a bite that tends to create itchy and irritated skin, mosquitoes can also transmit disease as they travel among hosts. Some harmful conditions that mosquitoes spread include encephalitis, West Nile virus, and tularemia. Luckily, we can help you rid your yard of mosquitos in Florida and Alabama.
Conditions That Attract Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can sense humans’ presence by detecting body heat, carbon dioxide, scent, and movement. Mosquitoes are a pest that generally prefers to remain outdoors, particularly near areas where water is plentiful. Areas of marshland or fields near ponds or lakes are likely to be populated by mosquitoes. The female mosquito lays her eggs in pools of standing water, often dozens at a time. Mosquitoes have distinct stages of development, beginning with eggs, larva, and pupa before reaching adulthood. The full cycle from egg to adulthood generally takes eight to ten days.
What Types Of Scents Can Repel Mosquitoes?
Some people have experienced some success in repelling mosquitoes using a variety of natural herbs, oils, and plants such as:
- Lemongrass: This grass enhances the flavor of salads, soups, and other foods. They also generate a fragrance that repels mosquitoes, as the grass contains citronella oil.
- Citronella: Various products use citronella oil as a natural repellent that is available as a topical blend or for use in outdoor candles.
- Marigolds: These flowers have a colorful appearance and have a distinct smell that mosquitoes tend to avoid.
- Basil: Another common herb used in cooking bears a scent that will deter flies and mosquitoes.
- Lavender: The leaves of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) contain oil that tends to repel mosquitoes. It’s believed that terpene alcohol called linalool is responsible for the odor that keeps mosquitoes away.
Time To Call In The Pros?
Mosquitoes are among the most common dangerous and bothersome pests that flourish in our hot and humid regional climate. These arthropods are capable of spreading diseases that place you and your family at risk. Some property owners will mistakenly attempt to expel these winged pests using aerosol sprays, fogging or misting systems, or concentrated repellants marketed by online retailers and local home improvement stores. Unfortunately, many of these do-it-yourself products are overhyped, fail to produce significant results, and often contain harsh substances that can pose a risk to humans and our local environment. When you reach out to a licensed professional, you will rest assured that the mosquito control and treatment measures will be both practical and following the safety recommendations of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Leading Home Pest Control And Lawn Care Service Company In Mobile
Did you know that the seasoned team of professionals at EnSec now has a Certified Mosquito Identification Specialist on staff that has completed the Advanced Mosquito Identification and Certification program at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory? This is one of the many advanced training courses and industry affiliations that help keep our technicians among the field leaders. We recognize that successfully limiting the mosquito population on our customers’ properties requires a comprehensive and eco-friendly approach. For this reason, our experts have a variety of treatment options at their disposal based on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) model. Contact our office today for a free onsite inspection and estimate and to ask us about our home pest control services in Florida and Alabama.