Before They Multiply: Smart Mosquito Prevention for Homeowners in Trophy Club
Following this winter’s temperature extremes and a little more rain (3 ½ inches through February 15th) than we normally receive early in the year, mosquitoes have begun to make their presence felt in Trophy Club and will continue to do so.
Easily one of the most annoying pests there is, mosquitoes are the most significant and dangerous vector of disease in history, and are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal. In recent years, the insect’s profile has significantly increased due to Encephalitis outbreaks, the Zika virus, and West Nile Virus.
The name mosquito comes from a Spanish word meaning “little fly.” Many people believe that mosquitoes bite humans because they need to feed on human blood, but this is not true. Mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, similarly to bees. Female mosquitoes suck blood to help with the development of their eggs before laying them. Male mosquitoes do not feed on blood at all.
Mosquitoes live in a variety of habitats but are mainly concentrated near sources of standing water, where they reproduce, as mosquito eggs need water to hatch. Female mosquitoes suck blood to help with the development of their eggs before laying them. Some species lay their eggs in standing water, while others lay them in moist soil and hatch when the soil is flooded. These “floodwater” species lay eggs in the fall that can survive through the winter and then hatch once spring showers flood their habitats. One female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, allowing an infestation to get out of hand quickly.
Generally, if a mosquito bites you, a mosquito bite will appear as a small, itchy bump. Still, some people can have more intense reactions to the bites if they are allergic. Although a mosquito bite itself is harmless, the diseases they can potentially carry are where your concern should lie. Because of the risk, it is always smart to use insect repellent when outside and long sleeves and long pants at dawn and dusk to prevent mosquito bites. If at any time you feel that the bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible.
Mosquito control can be complicated because mosquitoes can adapt to different and changing conditions. Some do-it-yourself things homeowners can do to help control mosquitoes in and around their home include:
- Removing any sources for standing water, including bird baths, rain barrels, and recycling containers.
- Cutting back vegetation around your home to eliminate breeding and hiding grounds.
- Getting rid of old yard items that may attract mosquitoes, such as old pots and spare tires.
If the infestation seems out of control, seek help from your local pest control professional to address the problem effectively.
