There are a few common facts about mosquitoes that almost everyone knows: they tend to come out the most at dawn and dusk, they leave itchy red bumps when they bite, and they are extremely annoying pests! But do you know why these pests bite or why they stick around for so long? Well, it’s actually just the female mosquitoes are looking for a blood meal in order to breed, so the more they bite, the larger the mosquito population will become, and the higher the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses on your property.

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. However, many people will not even know that they are infected! Some people will develop mild symptoms such as body aches, headache, and fever, which may be accompanied by a rash and swollen glands. In more serious cases, this disease can cause fatigue, stiffness, disorientation, tremors, paralysis, coma, and even death. Another serious problem in the eastern part of the United States is the mosquito-borne illness called Eastern equine encephalitis. This disease can present a health threat to humans, horses, and birds. Once infected, the symptoms are typically very mild, but some people may develop a high fever, headache, sore neck, lethargy, and brain inflammation, which can be fatal. Zika virus is another mosquito-borne illness that has been reported in certain areas of the United States, though it is rarer than the other two diseases mentioned above.

Late summer still provides the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive in, so these biting pests will continue to be a problem for a while longer. Although you can try to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a lot of bug repellent, that is not the best way to enjoy the rest of your summer! You can also eliminate any sources of standing water that have collected in wheelbarrows, birdbaths, pools, overturned toys, tools, and long-lasting puddles to reduce the mosquito populations on your property. The females will lay their eggs in the water, so if there is no water for them to lay their eggs in, they won’t be able to repopulate. However, it can be extremely difficult and time-consuming to eliminate every area of standing water on your property, not to mention that you might miss one! If they succeed in breeding, the population of mosquitoes on your property will continue to boom.

The good news is that it’s never too late for professional mosquito control! At Thomas Pest Services, we understand that the complete eradication of mosquitoes is just not possible, but our team of professionals has experience, knowledge, and the right tools to help drastically reduce the mosquito populations in your yard which, in turn, will lower the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses! Wouldn’t it be great to get out and enjoy your own deck and yard again without being plagued by annoying mosquitoes that can make you and your family sick?

Take back your yard by partnering with Thomas Pest Services in Albany, NY, the Capital District, and the Adirondack Region!