Austin Mosquito Control

The Breeding Habits of Mosquitoes

Many people have perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes in their backyard and they do not even realize it. All mosquitoes require water to breed. Certain types of mosquitoes lay their eggs directly in standing water, and those eggs then hatch in just a couple of days. Other types of mosquitoes lay their eggs in other spaces, including tin cans or old tires. Once the eggs are then covered in water, they will hatch right away. Removing these items and standing water from a yard is a very simple way to eliminate the breeding grounds of mosquitoes and prevent a problem from forming.

Regardless of how a mosquito lays its eggs, all of these pests hatch as larvae, which are also known as wigglers. From there, they transition into pupae, which are known as tumblers. The pupae will eventually split open and an adult mosquito will emerge to continue the life cycle. Knowing how mosquitoes breed is crucial, as it will prevent more mosquitoes from entering the yard and becoming a problem.

How to Prevent Mosquito Infestations

Removing standing water is an important first step when trying to prevent a mosquito infestation from forming. However, there are other steps that can reinforce the effort and make sure mosquitoes do not become a problem. The best mosquito prevention tips are as follows:

• Discard any unused garden pots, old tires, and other items that can be used by mosquitoes to lay eggs.
• Drill holes into the bottoms of recycling bins and garbage cans so water cannot collect inside.
• Clean roof gutters of debris regularly.
• Inspect items outdoors, such as toys, regularly and empty them of any water that collects inside.
• Repair any outdoor leaky faucets.
• Change water in small pools and bird baths at least once a week.
• Turn over boats and canoes when possible so they do not collect water.
• Clear water from pool coverings.
• Discard tin cans, bottles, and buckets that are no longer being used.

Although the above prevention tips can sometimes keep mosquitoes out of the yard, this is not always the case. It is for this reason it is important to speak to a Texas pest control company that can help you with a problem, and prevent it from coming back.

Temporary Relief is Not a Long-Term Solution

As with so many other types of pest problems, homeowners often think they can get rid of the problem on their own. They use things such as sprays, citronella candles, and bug zappers to eliminate the problem. At first, these treatments seem to work and so, homeowners are happy with their efforts. Then though, the problem comes back and homeowners are left frustrated and confused about what could have gone wrong.

With bug zappers, mosquitoes still have to enter the yard before they fly into them and become electrocuted. This may mean that you will still get bitten even though the bug dies shortly afterward. Citronella candles and sprays are also only a short-term solution, as mosquitoes will enter the yard as soon as the odor wears off. This will happen more quickly when it rains shortly afterward, and even morning dew is enough to wash away the aromas of these products.

Not only are do-it-yourself solutions ineffective, but they are also dangerous. Candles of any kind can trigger a person’s asthma or allergies, making citronella candles dangerous for both pests and certain people near them. Additionally, bug zappers will not only kill mosquitoes, but other bugs that are important to the environment as well, such as honeybees. Bug zappers are also extremely forceful. When they electrocute a mosquito, they can send their body parts flying out of the contraption, and those may be bacteria-ridden.

For all of the above reasons, it is important to find a long-term solution rather than one that will work for just a day or two, if ever at all. This usually requires the help of an Austin pest control company. When working with such a company, a technician will inspect the space mosquitoes are occupying, which may include the perimeter of your yard and home, and any bushes, tall grass, or weeds that are especially attractive to these pests.

Once these problem areas have been identified, a technician will then apply a pesticide spray that is powerful, safe, and effective. Sometimes, a technician may revisit in a week or two to confirm that the problem was fully eliminated and did not come back.

It is important all homeowners know that no mosquito treatment will work, not even a professional one, if yards are not maintained properly. Also, while a mosquito population should show significantly fewer numbers after a professional treatment, homeowners may still see one or two bugs flying around.

Our Mosquito Control Experts in Austin Can Help You Reclaim Your Yard

If mosquitoes have prevented you from fully enjoying your space, our Texas pest control experts at Stride Pest Control can help. Our experienced technicians know how to eliminate infestations and keep them from coming back so you can take back your yard once and for all. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Austin Pest Control & Exterminator Services Near Me: Our pest control company is located in Austin, Texas, but we service the Greater Austin area, including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Kyle, Jollyville, Brushy Creek, Lakeway, Wells Branch, Anderson Mill, Elgin, Buda, Taylor, Shady Hollow, Manor, and more.

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