Mosquito Identification & Prevention
What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are flying, biting pests that no one wants to deal with. They take over our yards in large numbers and ruin our time spent outdoors with annoying buzzing and itchy bites. Due to the warm weather in our area, mosquitoes are active in Arizona throughout most of the year but the peak of mosquito activity occurs between March and October.
The bites that female mosquitoes deliver are painful and leave behind raised itchy welts. These pests are most active at dusk and dawn but will also bite people throughout the day. The reason mosquitoes bite is that they need the protein found in human and animal blood to create viable eggs. While these pests are known for feeding on blood, the primary food source for both male and female mosquitoes is plant nectar.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes pose a significant health risk to people and are known as one of the world’s most deadly creatures. While in the United States, the spread of deadly diseases by mosquitoes isn’t as problematic as in other parts of the world, it is still a concern.
In Arizona, mosquitoes spread the West Nile virus and other diseases like St. Louis encephalitis, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Limiting the number of mosquitoes feeding and breeding on your property is vital to your family’s health and safety.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Mosquitoes are most likely hanging around your property because it offers them potential breeding sites. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water. The more standing water you have on your property, the more mosquito activity you will experience.
These insects like to get out of the direct mid-day sun and hide within the vegetation found in most of our yards. Things like tall grass and weeds, trees, shrubbery, and other landscaping can attract mosquitoes to your property.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Arizona is known for its drier climate, and over time, mosquitoes have learned that our properties provide them with the water they need to complete their life cycle.
Some areas of our yards that collect water and act as breeding sites for mosquitoes include:
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Leaky pipes and air conditioners
- Man-made containers like buckets, plant pots, tires, etc.
- Natural containers like tree stumps, tree hollows, low-lying areas
- Trash cans, recycling bins, compost piles
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are challenging pests to keep out of your Arizona yard. However, when partnering with Overson Pest Control, we'll work with you to eliminate mosquitoes and their breeding sites from your property.
Our professionals are committed to offering the effective mosquito control treatments you need to reclaim your outdoor space from these biting pests. To learn more about our mosquito control services, reach out to Overson Pest Control and speak with one of our helpful professionals!
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from mosquitoes with the following prevention tips:
- Either dispose of containers that can collect water or store them upside down.
- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor trash cans and recycling bins.
- Make sure to treat swimming pools and ornamental ponds properly and keep the water continuously circulating.
- Maintain your yard by cutting back overgrown shrubbery and trees where mosquitoes can rest.
- Use outdoor fans on decks and patios; mosquitoes are weak flyers and the breeze from the fan will throw them off course.
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