Mosquito Identification & Prevention

What are mosquitoes?

A pest that can ruin any outdoor party, meal, or sporting event, mosquitoes are dreaded outdoor pests for people who call Florida home. Mosquitoes are true flies whose females require blood meals to create healthy eggs that will successfully develop into new biting adults.

Most mosquitoes have dark bodies with lighter stripes or markings. Their wings are about as long as their body, and they have short antennae and a long nose-like structure called a proboscis. The females and males use their proboscis to feed on plant nectar and other sweet liquids, which are their primary food source. Females also use the proboscis to feed on animal and human blood.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are dangerous and considered one of the world's deadliest pests; we should never ignore their presence. Some of the common mosquito-borne illnesses spread through the female's saliva include dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Yellow fever, and chikungunya.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

The warm weather Florida provides all year means that you should be able to enjoy your outdoor space whenever you would like; however, that is not always the case when you are sharing your backyard with mosquitoes!

Mosquitoes thrive in areas and weather that provide them with a lot of standing water for the females to lay their eggs. After periods of heavy rains that leave behind puddles and other areas of standing water, mosquito populations tend to boom. It only takes around eight to ten days for a mosquito to develop from egg to new adult.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Mosquito populations are most dense on properties with or near large areas of standing water. Lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, drainage ditches, and densely wooded areas provide the moisture, and shade mosquitoes need to thrive. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn; during the extreme heat of mid-day, they like to hide in dense vegetation to escape the sun and heat.

In our yards, areas that collect water and act as breeding sites for mosquitoes include:

• Clogged gutters and drain spouts.
• Buckets, flower pots, and other containers.
• Wading pools and pet water bowls.
• Low-lying areas in driveways and yards.
• Tree hollows.
• Piles of grass or leaves.
• The tops of tarps or trash can lids.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

Controlling mosquitoes is a never-ending battle; the best way to reduce mosquito numbers and keep large populations from returning is to partner with a knowledgeable and local professional!

At Above and Beyond Pest Control, we are leaders in the pest control industry and are always committed to protecting people and their properties from the many problems pests like mosquitoes are known to cause. Through advanced treatments and the use of Integrated Pest Management, we can rid properties of pests in a safe manner for both people and the environment. 

To learn more about the personalized pest control services we provide our customers and how we can work together to limit the number of mosquitoes on your property, give us a call today and speak with one of our friendly pest control experts!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

Don't let mosquitoes take over your Florida backyard; put in place the following prevention tips to help reduce their numbers.

• Remove standing water from low-lying areas, clogged gutters, and drainage ditches.
• Always store containers that can collect water upside down when they are not in use.
• Get rid of hiding or resting spots for mosquitoes by keeping the grass cut short and cutting back trees and shrubs.
• If possible, screen in your porch or place a net around outdoor seating or eating areas.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.