As a pest control business with years of experience, we know a thing or two about how annoying mosquitoes can get.
Summer in Southern New Jersey means warm weather, outdoor activities, and unfortunately, mosquitoes. These pesky insects are not only annoying but can also pose health risks by spreading diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika.
At Bee Friendly Pest Control, we believe in protecting your family and the environment. Here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding mosquitoes and how to effectively get rid of them while keeping our ecosystem safe.
Understand Your Enemy: The Mosquito
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions and are most active during dawn and dusk. They breed in standing water, so any stagnant water around your home can become a potential mosquito breeding ground.
Bee Friendly Pest Control Spraying For Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes bite for one primary reason: to obtain nutrients necessary for egg production. Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein and iron found in blood to develop their eggs.
Common breeding sites include bird baths, clogged gutters, and unused flower pots.
Preventing Mosquitoes From Multiplying
The first line of defense again mosquitoes is prevention. To do that you should:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly check and drain any areas of standing water around your property. Consider adding agitators to birdbaths and ponds to keep water moving and discourage mosquito breeding.
- Use Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Plant naturally repellant flora such as citronella, lavender, and marigold around your home and garden. These plants can help deter mosquitoes naturally.
- Secure Your Home: Ensure that all window screens are intact and free from holes. Mosquitoes are tiny and can enter homes through the smallest of gaps.
How Do We Get Rid of Mosquitoes?
Getting rid of mosquitoes involves a combination of preventive measures and targeted treatments.
Firstly, eliminate standing water around your property, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This includes emptying trays under flower pots, clearing gutters, and maintaining swimming pools.
Use mosquito repellent plants like citronella, lavender, and marigold around your home to naturally deter them. For personal protection, apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).
Installing screens on windows and doors can help keep mosquitoes out of indoor spaces. For more persistent problems, consider using mosquito traps and eco-friendly sprays that target adult mosquitoes and their larvae. Professional pest control services can offer more comprehensive solutions, including regular treatments to keep mosquito populations under control throughout the season.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid of Mosquitoes?
The effectiveness and speed at which mosquito control measures work can vary depending on the methods used and the severity of the infestation.
Eliminating standing water can have an immediate impact, as it removes potential breeding sites, reducing future mosquito populations within a week or two, as mosquito life cycles are disrupted.
Chemical repellents and eco-friendly sprays provide instant relief when applied, keeping mosquitoes at bay for several hours to a few days per application.
Installing physical barriers like screens can also provide immediate results. However, for techniques like planting mosquito-repellent plants or establishing populations of natural predators, the results may take longer—typically a few weeks—to observe a noticeable decrease in mosquito activity.
In cases of severe infestations, professional pest control treatments might be necessary, and these can significantly reduce mosquito populations within a few days to weeks, with ongoing maintenance required to sustain low levels.
Is There A Quicker Way To Ditch Mosquitoes?
Yes – at Bee Friendly Pest Control we specialize in using safe chemicals to tackle your mosquito problems without damaging bees or other animals. To get a free quote, call us at (888)-423-3588!
