Mosquito Identification & Prevention

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are flying insects and a pest that can ruin outdoor activities in the blink of an eye. Female mosquitoes require blood-meals to complete their reproductive cycle and develop viable eggs. The bites they deliver are painful and leave behind red itchy welts that last for days. To feed, females use their proboscis, which is an extended mouthpart that allows them to pierce the skin of their victim and suck out their blood. Both male and female mosquitoes use their proboscis to feed on plant nectar — their main source of food!

Mosquitoes belong to the order Diptera, or “true flies.” They have two wings, like other flies, but scales cover their wings. Mosquitoes have a narrow oval-shaped body, feather-like antennae, and long legs. You can also identify them by the high-pitched buzzing sound they create.

Ants are regular invaders into homes and businesses in our area and across the country. You can identify them by their three distinct body parts and defined waist, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, red, and yellow. In our area, four of the most common species of ants we run into are Argentine ants, red imported fire ants, rover ants, and carpenter ants.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Delivering itchy bites and feeding on the blood of multiple hosts makes these pests not only annoying but dangerous. In the United States, mosquitoes carry and spread a variety of diseases that make people ill, including the West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are not a problem only in the U.S. but across the world – especially in tropical and developing countries. Mosquitoes spread other diseases too, including the debilitating and potentially deadly malaria.

Mosquitoes are also a threat to our pets. They are most well-known for being able to infect dogs and cats with parasitic heartworms. Heartworm is very serious and can be deadly if not treated.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

You have a mosquito problem because they live and breed outside and can fly from yard to yard. Mosquitoes are capable of flying several miles in search of blood meals or breeding grounds, but in most cases, they stay close to home (where they hatched). Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water. So properties near areas of standing water tend to have the most problems with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most problematic during the summer season when the weather is hot and humid.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can find their way onto any property that offers them food sources and even more critical — water. Mosquitoes are most problematic around ponds, lakes, marshes, drainage ditches, and in wooded areas.

Things in our yards that attract mosquitoes include lots of flowering plants, dense vegetation, tall grasses, wading pools, bird baths, clogged gutters, and low lying areas that allow water to collect.

Mosquitoes like to rest during the heat of the day. They will seek out cool, dark areas like spaces under trees or decks, or spaces behind tree bark, under logs, or between rock crevices.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

The first step you should take to limit mosquitoes on your property is to contact a professional. At Admiral Pest Control, our professionals know the steps needed to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent a re-infestation.

We are our area’s oldest family-run pest control company, and we take care of all our customers as if they are part of our family. If you are looking to rid your southern Los Angeles County or Orange County residential or commercial property of pests, reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Admiral Pest Control. Call us today to learn more about our mosquito control services!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

Ants and other pests are difficult to prevent, so the best prevention tip is always to partner with a trained and experienced professional. Also, use the following tips from Admiral Pest Control to help you avoid problems with ants:

• Rid your yard of what ants are looking for, which is food. Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans and recycling and compost bins.
• Reduce their desire to nest on your property by getting rid of leaf piles, fallen trees, and tree stumps.
• Place covers over vents and seal off spaces around wires and cables to stop ants from using them as a roadway into your home.
• Seal up any cracks or openings you find in the foundation or exterior walls of your house.
• Stop providing them with water by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Reduce humidity levels in your home using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.