Those Vampire like Pests: Mosquitoes

I think most of us enjoy spending summer outside whether we’re lounging on the deck, working in the garden or landscaping, swimming in our own pool or the springs and rivers. We often forget that we are irresistible to mosquitoes and that we get chased indoors from these pests! I saw one of my friends (photo) posts on Facebook and their child was bitten by mosquitoes from head to toe which prompted me to write this blog post.

In May, I attended a wedding in Jacksonville, I could have sworn the mosquitoes were on steroids; they were huge! With all of the rain we’ve had within the past few months the mosquitoes are thriving.

No one is immune to mosquitoes; in fact mosquitoes are attracted to over 300 gases and compounds that are released by humans. There are over 175 types of mosquitoes in the United States that feed on anything that has blood. Mostly they are attracted to CO2 (carbon dioxide) and when they get a whiff they fly closer to the source.

Also remember that mosquitoes can carry the West Nile and other dangerous viruses. It is critical that you use some type of mosquito (bug) repellant before you go outside whether you are doing yard work or just relaxing! Don’t forget to make sure your children lather up with repellant as well; after all one of the hardest things is to watch your kids itch and be in pain and agony while there’s really nothing you can do about it.

Mosquitoes like animals too, these pests will be more likely to attack your dog (or livestock) before the get a taste of you so it is important look into the best methods to protect them also.

Here are a few ways you can keep mosquitoes to a minimum in your yard:

  • Call our Pest Specialists to come and discuss your options for mosquito control at (386) 362-BUGS (2847).
  • Make sure there isn’t any water holding items next to your house or around the yard. If there are buckets or planters not being used, make sure to flip them upside down (if they do not have lids) so they do not collect water. Remember, water is the prime source of mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Change the water daily in bird baths.
  • Around decks, porches and places where your family spends time outdoors burn citronella, candles, torches, liquids and oils. You can also purchase lemongrass which is the active ingredient in citronella candles (as the plant grows remove some of the leaves and dry, crush or infuse it into oil because the oil within the plant is actually what repels mosquitoes and other insects.)
  • Use a mosquito misting system such as MistAway.
  • Buy a Chrysanthemum plant, then cut and dry the flower heads. Once they are dried crush them and add them to the water around your home. This will stop mosquitoes from breeding if they land in the water that contains this plant. It is a natural insecticide that will eliminate them from breeding. The two kinds of Chrysanthemum plants that deter mosquitoes are: C. cinerariifolium and C. coccineum.
  • Lowe’s® has a portable mosquito trap ran from a propane tank that will cover 1 acre of land.
  • In your outdoor living spaces use screens such as Air Curtains to separate your living space from the bugs and mosquitoes.

Always keep in mind for any of your unwanted pest problems, give a Live Oak Pest Control Pest Specialist a call today (386) 362-BUGS.

also see our March 2012 Pest of the Month: Mosquitoes

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