Mosquito Identification & Prevention

Mosquitoes are flying, biting pests that are synonymous with the summer season. Summer’s hot, humid weather allows mosquitoes to thrive and be a constant source of frustration as we try to spend time outside. Despite their tiny size and the fact that we can squish them with a newspaper, mosquitoes can quickly ruin any outdoor activity and drive people indoors.

Mosquitoes are small, winged insects with six legs that dangle below them as they fly. Their most unique feature is their proboscis, a long piercing mouthpart.

Females and males use their proboscis to feed on their primary food source, plant nectar. Females also use their proboscis to pierce the skin of people and animals to consume blood meals. Blood meals are necessary so the females can create viable eggs and complete their life cycle.

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word “mosquito” is the painful, itchy welts that mosquito bites leave behind. Mosquito bites are unpleasant, and excessive scratching at the bite sites can lead to secondary infections. However, the more significant issue with mosquito bites and why we label them as one of the world’s most dangerous creatures is that they efficiently spread diseases through their feeding habits.

As female mosquitoes feed on different human and animal hosts, they can acquire and spread many mosquito-borne illnesses. In the United States, the disease of concern spread by mosquitoes is the West Nile virus. They also transmit parasitic heartworms to our dogs and cats, a potentially deadly infection.

Reducing your contact with these biting, disease-spreading pests and limiting their ability to make your yard into a place they thrive is always best.

When it comes to preventing problems with mosquitoes, you need to know that standing water is your biggest enemy.

From a large puddle in your driveway to water collected on top of a forgotten soda can, any amount of standing water provides female mosquitoes with a place to lay their eggs. Below are some other favorite spots where females lay their eggs:

• Any container that collects water
• Wading pools
• Pet water bowls
• Clogged gutters
• The tops of trash can lids or tarps
• Tree cavities or tree stumps

Because female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, the more standing water on or near your property, the more problems you will experience with mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can make almost any outdoor space into their home. Examples of outdoor habitats that become overrun by mosquitoes are wooded areas, marshes, ponds, fields, campgrounds, and, unfortunately, our Chicago backyards.

Some mosquito species are active during the day, but most are active at dusk and dawn when temperatures are cooler, and the sun isn’t directly overhead.

During the middle of the day, mosquitoes like to rest in areas that provide shade. Our yards often provide them with suitable resting spots like the underside of trees, shrubs, decks, grassy areas, woodpiles, fallen trees, or other yard debris.

Mosquitoes are flying outdoor pests that have survived the test of time. While there is no way to get rid of mosquitoes completely, partnering with a professional can significantly reduce their presence in your outdoor space.

For mosquito control in Chicago, reach out to our professionals at Sleep Tight Extermination. We will perform the inspections and treatments necessary to control mosquito activity on your property. Call today to learn more about our home mosquito control options and commercial pest protection plans.

To prevent problems with mosquitoes in Chicago, utilize the following prevention tips.

• Don’t overwater potted plants or garden areas.
• Store any container like buckets or wheelbarrows that can collect water upside down or indoors. 
• Keep gutters clear of debris and make sure downspouts are direct water away from your home. 
• Regularly empty pet water bowls and wading pools and refill them with fresh water. 
• Maintain your lawn, keep the grass cut short, prune back trees and shrubbery, and remove any debris that can collect water.

Call us today to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes swarming your Chicago yard.