We had a strange spring. April was very cold! And then suddenly the sun came out and woke up every plant, bug and animal. Literally, everything started to crawl out of the tree. Add in all the rain we’ve been experiencing and BAM. Flies, stink bugs, termites, MIXES MIXES. We went through about 200 phone calls it’s over 1000 appears in one night per day. It’s crazy to think we’re already talking about mosquito prevention tips.
Summer pest forecast
The National Pest Control Association has released its official Spring and Summer Bug Barometer for 2022. We’re not surprised that mosquitoes are our future in the Midwest. They have the perfect recipe for growing conditions. Use this as a guide for your home, or if you’re planning to travel to different parts of the country, and continue reading below for helpful tips on how to avoid mosquitoes.
“A warm spring followed by a hot and humid summer will allow both mosquito and tick populations to grow. “Wet conditions can also drive ants to seek dry land.”
Mosquitoes and why they are the worst.
Mosquitoes are predicted to be the worst of all other pests this summer. Dawn and dusk were the times we knew were the peak times for mosquito bites. However, our area now has several different types of mosquitoes that bite during the day. Each type has its own characteristics. Asian bush mosquitoes are the latest species to be identified in backyards. These are the most common types of mosquitoes we see in our region.
Temples of the Egyptians
- aka yellow fever mosquito
- they feed at dusk and dawn and will make their way inside
- prefers cool shady areas out of the wind
- feeds on humans rather than animals
- breeds in stagnant water, especially planters, birdbaths, buckets, toys, ponds, tires.
- it will also thrive in wet showers and closed toilets
- It spreads dengue fever, Zika virus, Chikungunya and is a vector for more than 50 other pathogens.
Aedes albopictus
- aka Asian Tiger Mosquito
- it feeds more on animals than humans
- develops mainly in forest areas
- the aggressive day ends, but it will also feed at dusk and dawn
- will bite a host more than once
- It spreads dengue fever, Zika virus, Chikungunya and is a vector for more than 50 other pathogens.
- black and white striped pattern on legs and belly
- poor flyers
Aedes japonicus
The Aedes japonicus mosquito rests on a human arm. Aedes japonicus is new to the United States and may be West Nile vectors.
- aka Asian Bush Mosquitoes
- the latest species discovered in our areas
- daytime pain
- backyard grower who loves containers
- tolerates sub-zero temperatures
- the egg overwinters and is activated by moisture/rain in the spring
- very adaptable to people
- Do not travel far from a water source
- feeds mainly on mammals and birds
- The transmission of the disease is still unknown because it is still being studied
- low flying
The house is disturbing
A shot of the common pest mosquito, Aedes vexans, standing on water where it has just emerged. Below the surface of the water are several pupae waiting to emerge.
- aka Domestic Flood Water Mosquitoes
- found in all 50 states
- lays eggs in moist soil
- dog transmits heartworm
- severe anxiety
- eggs are activated by spring flood waters
- can migrate several miles
- worst in May and June
Anopheles four-spotted
- aka the malaria mosquito
- he keeps his body at an angle
- prefers to lay eggs near rivers, ponds, lakes with aquatic plants
- lays eggs one by one on the surface of the water
- there are internal rafts so that the eggs can float
- larvae extend horizontally just below the surface of the water
- larvae feed on small plant and animal matter on the surface of the water
- do not fly far from a water source
Culex pipiens
- aka House mosquito
- Main vector of West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis
- likes stagnant pools, containers, planters, sewer tunnels and ponds
- prefers water with high organic matter
- found in all 50 states
- likes wet, damp, moist places
- feeds on nectar and plant sugars, as well as mammals and birds
- Females sometimes refuse when males attempt to mate
Culex Tarsalis
- aka Encephalitis Mosquito
- Louis Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis and known vector of avian viruses (birds).
- lays egg rafts on water surfaces containing about 190 eggs
- most active at dusk
- feeds on mammals and birds such as house finches and sparrows
- after birds avoid these mosquitoes, they will try to feed on other mammals such as humans
- sunny standing water dwellers
- a black mosquito with white bands on its legs
Tips for preventing mosquitoes
- Apply repellent according to label
We can’t always control the environment around us or know what the weather will bring, but the best thing we can do is protect ourselves. Apply insect repellent according to directions. Just like sunscreen when you’re outdoors, you may need to reapply to make sure you’re protected. Be sure to watch the video on how to apply these insect repellents and read our previous blog post with all our best practices and tips!
2. Make an effort to eliminate standing water on your property
Flipping toys and pools is not good enough. Container-breeding mosquitoes only need the same amount of water as the bottle cap to breed. The yard has drainage saucers, birdbaths, lots of planters’ lips and sticks with toys. Small drops of water that can collect in them are enough for mosquitoes to breed. So take care to remove any standing water. Especially after the rain!
3. Get a fan that blows where you sit.
Most of our backyard mosquitoes are not strong fliers. If you’re sitting outside on a patio table or deck and your feet and ankles are biting. take out a small fan and point it at your feet. Mosquitoes will not be able to fight against the force of the wind.
4. Consider a mosquito control program
Our mosquito netting service is tried and true and our customers swear by it. Makes entertaining, cooking and relaxing in the yard so much more enjoyable! It makes a huge difference if at least 85% population reduction is guaranteed. We cater for graduations, weddings, outdoor parties and more. We offer a one-time mosquito netting service. Monthly preventive services during the summer months. The package is more affordable than you can imagine! Totally worth your convenience and peace of mind. Contact us today for a free quote!
