Mosquitoes In Houston, TX
What You Need To Know About Mosquitoes In Houston, TX
Mosquitoes are annoying, flying pests that pose significant health risks to people. Stopping large populations of these pests from calling your Houston backyard home is always important.
What are mosquitoes?
The word mosquito means “little fly.” These small flying pests thrive in West Houston and, without professional assistance, have the potential to take over any of our backyards.
Like other flies, mosquitoes belong to the order Diptera; they have two wings covered in scales, feathery antennae, and long skinny legs. Their small oval-shaped bodies are usually dark in color with some metallic or white markings.
Besides its wings, a mosquito’s most important physical feature is its proboscis, an elongated mouthpart used to feed on liquids. Female and male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and other sweet liquids. Females also consume blood meals from warm-blooded hosts, a requirement to produce viable eggs.
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes are small and easily squished by a fly swatter, but they are considered one of the world’s most dangerous creatures. When they bite and feed on blood, they can acquire and spread pathogens and parasites that cause illnesses. They also spread parasitic heartworms to our pets. While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, many do, so limiting contact with them is the best way to protect your health.
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
You have a mosquito problem because they abound in the Houston area. Mosquitoes are a threat to outdoor spaces all across the country but are most problematic in regions with a hot, humid climate.
Mosquitoes are most problematic around their breeding sites. Most mosquitoes stay close to where they hatch. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of areas of standing water, so the more standing water you have near or on your property, the more mosquitoes will be flying around and using you and your family as a food source.
A single female mosquito is capable of laying around 3,000 eggs! Adult breeding mosquitoes have a lifespan of about two to three weeks. Because of their short lifespan, they have to produce mass numbers of individuals to succeed as a species.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
Standing water used as breeding sites and dense vegetation used as resting spots are places where you will find mosquitoes.
Yards with a large number of mosquitoes are likely to have one or more of the following:
- A pool or pond
- A birdbath
- Low lying areas
- Clogged gutters
- Woodpiles, leaf piles, and other yard debris
- Tall grass, weeds, and overgrown trees
- Wooded areas
You are most likely to be annoyed and bitten by mosquitoes at dusk and dawn when they are most active. During the day, mosquitoes like to rest in dark, cool shady areas.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
If you call West Houston home, there is no doubt you need to control mosquito numbers on your property! Don’t allow these frustrating pests to prevent you from enjoying your outdoor space with family and friends for another day; reach out to us at Samson Pest and Termite Services for help. We have several methods available to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard and will work with you to determine which is the best fit for your property and family.
Get rid of mosquitoes with the help of the local pest control professionals at Samson Pest and Termite Services. Our pest control technicians understand the local needs of our customers and how to meet their pest control needs. Serving West Houston, we are dedicated to our customers and committed to being Houston’s best choice for mosquito control! Call today for more information.
How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?
Use the following helpful tips to help make your property less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Plant things in your garden like basil, lavender, rosemary, and marigolds that naturally deter mosquitoes; while not foolproof, they can’t hurt!
- Prevent water from pooling in your home’s gutters by regularly clearing out leaves, sticks, and other debris.
- Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the outside foundation of your home.
- Cut back overgrown landscaping, trees, and bushes in your yard that mosquitoes can use as daytime resting spots.
- Use outdoor fans near outdoor eating areas and decks. The breeze they create keeps these weak fliers away.
Call now for more information about working together to limit the number of mosquitoes flying around your outdoor space!