Summer means backyard barbecues, running through sprinklers, and… mosquitoes. These pesky insects not only put a damper on summer fun, but they can also spread diseases. Learn more about mosquitoes, including common types and how to prevent them, below.
Common Mosquito Species in Your Yard
Did you know there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes? Surprisingly, only about 175 of these species are found in North America. Common species of mosquitoes in North America can be divided into three categories: flood water, permanent water, and container.
Flood Water Mosquitoes
These mosquitoes prefer areas of floodwater, such as roadside ditches or low areas along creeks and rivers. They lay their eggs on the soil at the edge of water pools leftover from heavy rains and flooding, and the eggs hatch when the area is flooded by runoff water. The adult populations peak in late April, May, and June, and the females are most active at sunset or in shady areas.
Permanent Water Mosquitoes
Permanent water mosquitoes, on the other hand, lay their eggs near quiet bodies of freshwater such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Mansonia, and some Culex species are generally not considered to be much of a nuisance.
Most Culex species, and Culiseta, are ones to watch out for, however. They typically make their home in areas with foul or polluted water, such as storm drains, catch basins, and clogged sewers. Their population peaks during mid-summer, typically from July–October. These mosquitoes tend to prefer birds as hosts, which means they’re more likely to spread viruses.
Container Mosquitoes
Unlike flood or permanent water mosquitoes, container mosquitoes thrive in small, enclosed spaces—including tires, cans, buckets, pet water bowls, gutters, and more. Container mosquitoes are incredibly common in yards, especially if you have birdbaths, planters, or any other water sources available.
How to Control Mosquito Populations
At Parker Pest Control, we’ve developed an innovative formula to help knockdown the mosquito populations in your yard. Every mosquito service starts with a thorough inspection of your yard to identify any sources of standing water. Our specialists will then use our targeted application technique to knockdown mosquitoes, treating your property monthly from April–October to maintain protection throughout the season.
Take back your yard this summer with service from Parker Pest Control! Visit our website or give us a call to get started today!