Mosquitoes: The Life Cycle Of The Little Fly
The mosquito's life cycle isn't very long. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, where they'll hatch into larvae. After a few days, the larvae grow into adult mosquitoes. A mosquito egg only takes about ten days to develop into an adult.
Adult mosquitoes feed on nectar. They're pollinators, which means they can benefit your yard and the ecosystem. But female mosquitoes need protein from a blood meal to lay eggs, which is why they bite. Mosquitoes are able to sense body heat to find people and animals to feed on.
The Dangerous Diseases Mosquitoes Are Known To Spread
As mosquitoes bite people and animals, they pick up diseases they transmit to their next victims. A few of the diseases carried by mosquitoes in the United States are dengue fever, West Nile virus, and encephalitis. Mosquito-borne illnesses are relatively rare in Virginia Beach, but there is still a risk.
Mosquito bites themselves can be problematic. They typically appear on the skin as itchy welts. These bites aren't just annoying; they can lead to more issues. Scratching at mosquito bites can lead to infection. It's important that you keep mosquito bites clean and avoid touching them.
Because of the discomfort caused by mosquito bites, as well as the risk of disease and infection, it's essential to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Mosquitoes To Your Yard
You won't always be able to avoid mosquitoes entirely. But you can make your yard less attractive to them, which reduces your chances of being bitten. Implementing these mosquito prevention tips around your yard can help keep mosquitoes away:
- Remove anything that collects water.
- Clear out vegetation that creates shade.
- Install plants that repel mosquitoes.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Apply mosquito repellent.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and don't need much of it. Even a bottle cap can collect enough water to become a mosquito breeding ground. You won't have a mosquito-free yard until you get rid of anything that can hold water.
Mosquitoes in Virginia Beach often hang out in shady areas. Removing shade plants from your yard can help keep mosquitoes away. But if you also enjoy having shade in your yard, you can add some of the plants that repel mosquitoes. Citronella grass, rosemary, basil, and others keep mosquitoes away based on their scent.
You can also take steps toward personal mosquito protection. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants will protect your skin from mosquito bites. Applying mosquito repellent also helps.
You can't always avoid mosquitoes. But you can take steps to protect yourself and your yard from mosquitoes. The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to contact a professional pest control company.
Professional Mosquito Control Offers Top Quality Protection
Hawk Mosquito & Pest provides options for mosquito control in Virginia Beach. Our mosquito treatments are highly effective, affordable, and safe to use around your yard. We know how frustrating it can be to try and manage mosquitoes, which is why we offer our professional services. We'll make sure you and your family are protected from mosquitoes this summer. Call Hawk Mosquito & Pest to learn more about our mosquito control options.