Are you worried about the number of mosquitoes appearing on your property? You’re not alone. According to studies, the mosquito population is growing due to climate changes in Australia.

Luckily, there are ways to recognise when the presence of mosquitoes becomes an infestation and prevent future ones. Continue reading to learn more about how to eliminate your mosquito problem.

About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small insects that are reliant upon human and other animal blood. That is why they have a pesky reputation. Although not all mosquitoes need blood, only females do because it aids them in reproduction.

Female mosquitoes take a tactful approach to where they hunt for blood. Typically, mosquitoes are more active before dawn, and they prefer cooler temperatures.

Daylight is detrimental to their survival because the warm sun dehydrates them. Additionally, the lack of sunlight makes it hard for humans to see them landing on their bare skin. Thus, it increases their survival rate.

Their presence can impact many, not just those going on a camping trip. Many outdoor workers, such as farmers or landscapers, are often exposed and get many bites. 

Why Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous?

People often normalise getting a mosquito bite since most reactions are mild. The mildest reactions to mosquito bites include itchiness, swelling, and discomfort. These reactions typically subside within a day or two of the initial bite. 

Due to this, people forget how potentially dangerous they can be. They are also the cause of many illnesses and diseases. These reactions vary from short to long-term and can be deadly. 

These diseases are unique to mosquitoes. Here is a list of the most common:

• Encephalitis
• West Nile Virus
• Zika Virus
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue Fever
• Chikungunya Virus
• Malaria

The symptoms for these illnesses range from flu-like symptoms to brain damage. The intensity of the symptoms varies for each person.

People in Australia also get these illnesses and diseases, contrary to the belief that it only happens in countries in Africa and South America. According to NSW health, there are more than 700 related cases each year.

What are the Signs of a Mosquito Infestation?

There are definitive signs of when to begin worrying about the mosquitos in your yard. Here’s a list of when you should start worrying.

Sounds

The sound mosquitoes make a high-pitched buzzing noise due to their rapidly moving wings. It’s not uncommon to hear a mosquito or two buzz by your ear quickly. It’s not common to hear them moving from afar because it indicates you have a massive swarm of mosquitoes.

Bites

If you’re outside for any period of time during the warmer months, you’re bound to get a bite or two. Bites becoming excessive indicates you have an infestation. Getting multiple bites every other day means you need to call pest control.

Visible Signs

Mosquitoes’ body sizes are less than a half inch. So on their own, they are very hard for the average person to see flying in the air. If you can see multiple during the day, that’s when you have a mosquito problem.

What Causes a Mosquito Infestation?

As previously established, mosquitoes are most active during warmer periods of the year, but there are many other reasons they may be bothering you. Here is a list of things to asses when dealing with a mosquito infestation.

Plants

Although plants can make your residence look beautiful, they can be the root cause of a mosquito infestation. Some plants attract mosquitoes, and they will begin to seek refuge amongst them. Marigolds, lavender, and basil are just a few plants on that list.

Lawn Maintenence

Poor lawn maintenance can make your yard a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Tall grass provides them with shelter from the heat and sun. Overgrown shrubbery also provides them with this sanctuary.

Standing Water

Water attracts mosquitoes like a magnet, even in areas where you least expect it. For example, letting flower pots fill with rainwater is a bad habit to have, especially if you’re trying to prevent mosquitoes. Also, other things like pools or fountains can play a role in mosquito attraction.

Inadequate Pest Control Plans

Not hiring a pest control company to treat your yard for mosquitos is a huge mistake. Treatments can reduce the presence of mosquitoes if properly and regularly done by trusted professionals.

How can Professional Help Fix My Mosquito Problem?

Pest control companies train specialists to safely remove mosquitos from your property. Each approach will be different depending on the budget and the type of residence. Here is a glimpse at the standard approach. 

Assessment

The first part of addressing the mosquito problem is assessing the area. The assessment will reveal the cause of the infestation problem. The pest control specialist will offer options to best approach and solve the problem.

Sprays

Often pest control specialists will spray insecticides. They typically use an EPA- registered adulticide, which is specific to mosquitoes. These adulticides target only adult mosquitoes, which will hinder reproduction.

Follow-ups

Depending on the severity of the mosquito infestation, treatment may take multiple appointments. You may also make yearly treatment plans as a precaution so you do not have to deal with those pests again.

Learn More About Pest Control Options

Mosquitos are a pest but there are so many ways to prevent them from being your problem. We hope you learned how to take care of your mosquito problem.

If you want to learn more, contact us here at Safeguard. We would love to help develop a treatment plan and get your pests under control.