Mosquito Identification & Prevention

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are small flies that grow between 1/8 and 3/8 of an inch long. They are gray or black, with some having white markings on their bodies and legs. Other physical characteristics include an elongated mouthpart (proboscis), six long thin legs, and wings.

Female and male mosquitoes use their proboscis to drink plant nectar. Female mosquitoes also use their proboscis to pierce the skin of their human or animal host and consume a blood meal. Females require blood meals to complete their life cycle; the protein in their host's blood helps them develop healthy eggs.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

In addition to their relentless, itchy bites, mosquitoes are unwanted on our properties because of the dangerous parasites and human pathogens they can spread. As females consume blood meals from their human and animal hosts, they acquire and spread illness. Worldwide, diseases spread by mosquitoes include Zika, malaria, the West Nile virus, yellow fever, tularemia, and encephalitis. You must control mosquito numbers to prevent the outbreak of disease. While not every mosquito bite will cause you to become ill, limiting your contact with them is important.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

The unfortunate truth is that mosquitoes live in large populations throughout North Carolina. They are outdoor pests that frequently find their way to our yards.

Because female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, the presence of standing water is the most common reason to see an increase in mosquito populations.

In the middle of the day, many mosquitoes hide in shady areas to escape the sun's direct rays. The following items may provide mosquitoes with resting spots and attract them to your property.

• Overgrown grass
• Decks
• Lots of trees and shrubbery 
• Rock piles
• Woodpiles

Furthermore, because the main food source for mosquitoes is plant nectar, properties with many flowering plants also attract the attention of mosquitoes.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Peak mosquito season in Charlotte occurs from April through October when the weather is warm and humid and supports rapid breeding. Mosquitoes can become a problem in any outdoor space, such as wooded areas, marshlands, fields, and meadows that naturally support large populations of these pests.

In our yards, groups of mosquitoes typically hang out around old tires, flower pots, woodpiles, and clogged gutters that collect stagnant water. Drainage ditches, fence lines, and dense vegetation are other places mosquitoes like to swarm. Mosquitoes usually aren't a problem inside our homes; however, like other flies, they move indoors through open entryways.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

Let ProForce Pest Control help prevent mosquito swarms from taking over your property. Mosquitoes may thrive in North Carolina, but that doesn't mean they should be allowed to infiltrate our outdoor spaces and drive us indoors. Our service professionals will always consider your unique needs and provide effective mosquito control treatments. We offer various mosquito control options to control mosquito numbers now and in the future. Please call us today to learn more about pest control in Charlotte and how you can reduce the mosquito presence on your property.

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

The best way to prevent mosquitoes is with the help of regular mosquito control treatments performed by a professional. You can also do several things around your property to deter mosquito activity.

• Look into planting plants that ward off mosquitoes in your gardens; citronella, lavender, sage, and rosemary are common examples. 
• Dump out containers with standing water in them.
• Store empty containers that can collect rainwater upside down. 
• Fill in low-lying areas on your property that allow rainwater to pool.
• Keep your grass cut short and its trees and shrubs well-pruned to eliminate daytime resting spots. 
• Help keep mosquitoes out of your home by ensuring windows and doors remain shut and screens intact.

It can also be helpful to screen in porches and decks to keep mosquitoes away when enjoying evenings outside. For more information about mosquito control in Charlotte, call now.