Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito? If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced the annoyance of having mosquitoes buzz around you only to be left with extremely itchy bite marks that can last for days. Mosquitoes in Columbus are frustrating pests to deal with, but they are also dangerous as they are known for spreading many diseases.
Because of the risks associated with mosquitoes, it’s important to know why mosquitoes are dangerous and what you can do to prevent and control them.
What Do Mosquitoes Look Like?
While you probably know what mosquitoes look like, these small, flying insects can look similar to other species.
You can identify mosquitoes by their long, thin bodies that are oval-shaped and their proportionally very long and skinny legs. They can range in color and markings but are usually greyish in color. And, the main thing that sets them apart is that they have a long, nose-like appendage called a proboscis. This appendage allows them to eat nectar from plants, which is their primary source of food, and it also allows the females of the species to drink the blood they need during their egg-laying season.
Why Are Mosquitoes So Dangerous?
When you think of deadly animals, your mind might first go to ferocious predators such as big cats and bears. However, one of the most dangerous animals in the world is actually the tiny mosquito.
Because they feed on both human and animal hosts, they can pass pathogens back and forth from one host to another. Mosquitoes carry many illnesses, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, encephalitis, and yellow fever. Because of this, mosquitoes cause millions of cases of illness each year.
Additionally, some people might react to being bitten due to allergy issues, and there is also a chance of secondary infection from scratching the bite over and over.
Tips For Preventing Mosquitoes
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can be a difficult pest to prevent completely. If you live near a pond or a lake, mosquitoes might be prevalent in your area as the females of the species lay their eggs in standing water.
However, there are still some things you can do to make your property less appealing to these pests, such as:
- Get rid of any standing water on your property.
- Ensure that rainwater can drain.
- Regularly trim back vegetation around your yard as this is where mosquitoes rest in the day.
Along with taking steps to make your property less attractive to mosquitoes, you can also do some things to avoid being bitten, including:
- Wear light-colored clothing when outdoors.
- Avoid going outside at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Don’t wear strong-smelling perfumes or colognes.
- Avoid drinking alcohol outside as the scent can attract mosquitoes.
The Most Effective Way To Remove Mosquitoes
Because mosquitoes are so invasive, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them without help from pest control professionals. Luckily, the 1st Response Pest Management experts are here to help protect you and others around you from these dangerous pests.
Our mosquito control options are the best way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your Columbus property significantly. Contact us at (614) 756-3206 to get your custom quote.