Mosquito Identification & Prevention

Mosquitoes are annoying, flying insects that can turn a pleasant evening outside into an evening spent indoors. Female mosquitoes bite people and animals using an elongated mouthpart to get the blood meals required to develop healthy eggs. Mosquitoes tend to live in large populations, and their bites are relentless.

These pests are most active during the spring and summer seasons when our weather is at its warmest. Unfortunately, this puts them in direct contact with people as we also try to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. It's important that we know how to keep mosquitoes at bay.

While it is no secret that mosquitoes are extremely annoying to have buzzing around you and your family, they also pose a danger. Mosquitoes bite and feed on the blood of many different hosts and, as they feed, can acquire and spread many disease-causing pathogens to new hosts. Worldwide, mosquitoes have caused outbreaks of things like cholera, malaria, and other debilitating diseases.

Mosquitoes in North Carolina also spread a variety of diseases and parasites that make people and animals ill such as:

• Eastern equine encephalitis 
• LaCrosse encephalitis 
• West Nile Virus 
• Parasitic heartworms (cats and dogs)

Limiting your contact with mosquitoes is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from the threats they pose.

Mosquitoes are most attracted to properties with various areas of standing water on them because female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.

If you have the following conditions on your property, it will likely lead to problems with mosquitoes:

• Shady areas where mosquitoes can rest and escape the heat and direct sun exposure 
• Areas of standing water
• Low-lying areas that flood with rainwater
• Man-made water features or pools
• Ponds, both natural or artificial
• Containers that can collect stagnant rainwater
• Drainage ditches

Mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests; however, like other flies, they may end up in your home accidentally when opening and closing doors. They can also get inside through open windows or torn screens.

In North Carolina, mosquitoes are most active from April through November. On a day-to-day basis, most mosquitoes are active around dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes can also be active on commercial properties, we can provide solutions for you!

Because they live and breed outside; keeping mosquitoes out of your North Carolina yard is difficult. The most effective way to lower the number of mosquitoes on your property is to partner with a local professional. At Eco Man Pest Solutions, we use innovative and eco-friendly products to reduce mosquito numbers in Durham and protect you and your family from their relentless and unpleasant bites. If you live in the Holly Springs, NC area and want to learn more about our mosquito control solutions, reach out to us today. We will be glad to work with you to take back your family’s yard from biting mosquitoes through our monthly service visits.

The following five easy steps will help you prevent problems with mosquitoes in your yard and home.

1. Store containers that can collect water upside down, regularly empty and refill things like pet water dishes, wading pools, and birdbaths. 
2. Do not overwater gardens and potted plants in your yard.
3. Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris that will allow standing water to pool.
4. Fill in low-lying areas that cause rainwater to puddle.
5. Keep your grass cut short and cut back overgrown shrubbery and tree limbs to reduce resting spots that mosquitoes can take advantage of on your property.