Some of the most annoying backyard pests in Louisville are mosquitoes. Too many homeowners find themselves battling these pests on a daily basis. If you’re tired of swatting and itching, there are a few things you should know.
What You Should Know About Mosquitoes In Louisville
Most people don’t see a mosquito until it’s too late. But they are easily identified by their long, thin legs. They have two wings and a long proboscis, which can be four times as long as its head. Although mosquitoes feed on nectar, the females need to also feed on blood. They seek out animal and human hosts by looking for heat and scent signals. When they find a host, they bite them and suck up some blood. The bite of a mosquito itself doesn’t hurt. However, most people have adverse reactions to mosquito bites. The site of the bite swells and starts to itch. Unfortunately, there’s not much that relieves the itching of a mosquito bite.
More Than A Nuisance
The annoyance of a mosquito bite is enough to make most people go to great lengths to prevent mosquitoes. But they’re more than just a nuisance. They are the most dangerous creatures on the planet, due to their ability to transmit diseases. There are many diseases that can be transmitted to you from a mosquito bite. Common mosquito-borne diseases include Zika and West Nile virus. In some parts of the world, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading malaria, yellow fever, and other deadly diseases.
How You Can Avoid Mosquitoes
There’s no guaranteed way to keep mosquitoes from biting you or your loved ones. However, you can take some steps to avoid them. For instance, avoid going outside at dusk. Typically, mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. If you want to avoid mosquitoes, you should stay away from areas with stagnant water. These pests breed in still water, so small ponds and other habitats are often home to mosquitoes. When you’re outside, avoid wearing dark colors. Black and other dark colors are easier for mosquitoes to see and they retain heat, which attracts mosquitoes. Stick to lighter colors and you’ll not only avoid mosquitoes, but you’ll also stay cooler.
Home Prevention Tips
In your own backyard, there are a few things you can do to keep mosquitoes at bay. All of the following are ways to prevent mosquitoes from calling your yard home:
Remove Standing Water
If there’s nowhere for mosquitoes to breed, you won’t be in a constant battle with these insects. Eliminate all standing water from your yard to take away breeding areas. This includes dog dishes, empty planters, and yard debris.
Trim Your Hedges
Overgrown shrubs attract insects like mosquitoes. By keeping your hedges and trees trimmed, you can limit the number of mosquitoes in your Louisville yard. Be sure to clean up the debris after you’re done.
Channel Water Away From Your Home
If your gutters are draining near your home, you might have water building up. You can prevent this by fixing your gutters and pointing the downspout away from your home.
Use Bug Spray
While this option isn’t ideal, it could help. When you’re outdoors, wear bug spray. Choose your bug spray with care, as some are ineffective and others contain harmful chemicals.
Hire Action Pest Control
Your best chance at preventing mosquitoes is to work with a professional who understands mosquito behavior. If you’re ready to get started on effective mosquito control, call Action Pest Control now to protect your family from these dangerous pests.