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I Have Tiny Black Mosquitoes in My House

. Posted by in , • Houston
a tiny black mosquito biting someone

Key Takeaways

  • Those tiny black mosquitoes are likely Aedes species — a group that includes the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, both of which are aggressive daytime biters.
  • The Asian tiger mosquito was first detected in the United States right here in Harris County, Texas, in 1985, after hitching a ride in imported used tires — making Houston ground zero for this invasive species.
  • Aedes mosquitoes are “container breeders.” Even a quarter-inch of standing water in a saucer, toy, or clogged gutter is enough for them to lay eggs.
  • Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can transmit Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, so activity in and around the house should be taken seriously.
  • Stop them indoors with EPA-approved products, tight window screens, … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Natural & Proven Repellents

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Key Takeaways

Scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus and lavender may temporarily repel mosquitoes, but they won’t solve an infestation. For effective mosquito control in Texas, focus on removing standing water and professional mosquito treatment.

Mosquitoes can be a persistent problem in Texas because of year-round heat, humidity and standing water. If you’re looking for natural ways to repel these pests, you might have come across methods that use certain scents. While some smells do help repel mosquitoes, none solve infestations, so a layered approach is best. 

So what smells do mosquitoes hate that are backed by science, and what works in Texas specifically? To help separate myth from fact, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Here’s a closer look at what actually works and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Smell Matters: How Mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin
a dog in grass

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Control Tips for Summer

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler
Mosquito sucking blood with vibrant background

Summer mosquito season isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a genuine concern for your family’s health, comfort, and ability to enjoy the outdoors. While professional mosquito control services provide a powerful layer of protection, there are some easy mosquito prevention steps you can take.

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we help homeowners take control of mosquitoes with professional treatments and practical advice that works. Here’s what you need to know, including some surprising facts and common misconceptions. 

Why Am I Seeing So Many Mosquitoes? 

Ever wonder Why There Are So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas? Well, the short answer is that North Texas has the perfect storm of mosquito-friendly conditions: warm weather, high humidity, and frequent rain. These create ideal breeding grounds for common species like Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. 

Some quick facts: 

  • Mosquito season typically runs April through October. 
  • Mosquitoes need … Read Full Post »
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How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Without Food?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mosquito on a person's hand

Mosquitoes are annoying pests that can make it hard to enjoy the outdoors. Some people think they can try to starve mosquitoes before spending time outside. This might sound like a good idea, but it doesn’t work when it comes to controlling mosquitoes.

How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Without Food?

Many homeowners wonder if they can get rid of mosquitoes by starving them out, especially in Texas during mosquito season. However, trying to starve out mosquitoes is not an effective pest control plan.

For one, there isn’t a clear-cut answer for how long mosquitoes can survive without food. Since male and female mosquitoes mainly survive on sugary foods like nectar from plants, fruit juices and other natural sugars, it would be nearly impossible to make sure the mosquitoes on your property aren’t getting food.

Many people don’t realize that only female mosquitoes bite people or animals. Female mosquitoes bite people because they need blood to … Read Full Post »

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How to Add a Water Feature Without Attracting Mosquitoes

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Ponds, fountains and other water features can transform your backyard into a tranquil oasis. If you live near a highway or in a noisy area, water features can drown out ambient noise and replace it with a soothing, natural sound. 

Adding a water feature can also enhance existing landscaping, often with little required maintenance. Lastly, providing a water feature in your yard can help you attract butterflies and hummingbirds. However, there is one creature you don’t want to attract when you add water to your landscape: mosquitoes. It’s important to control mosquitoes in your water features to maintain a pleasant backyard environment.

How To Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Water Features

When designing a water feature, it’s essential to consider the potential for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so incorporating features that prevent stagnant water from accumulating is crucial. Opt for a water feature with a depth of at … Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Bite On Foot: Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Ankles?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
why mosquitoes bite feet

Have you noticed that you get more mosquito bites on your feet and ankles than anywhere else on your body? This may not be not a coincidence.  According to Alan Brown, Board Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services, there may be many reasons why mosquitoes bite feet and ankles more than other areas, including:

  • The skin around your feet and ankles are exposed 
  • There’s less wind and airflow around your feet 
  • Certain bacterias found on feet can attract mosquitoes  

First, mosquitoes bite exposed skin, and when the weather warms up and mosquitoes come out, ankles and feet are often exposed. Your feet may also be exposed, depending on what kind of shoes you wear while outside. Unlike skin covered by clothing, exposed skin is easy for mosquitoes to access.

Next, mosquitoes are not great fliers, and staying low to the ground … Read Full Post »

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Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas, Texas skyline

As homeowners in Dallas, Texas, know we have large mosquito populations. Unfortunately, our city offers the conditions that mosquitoes love: warm, humid weather, plenty of rain and mild winters.

Contact a pest control service if you’re dealing with a mosquito problem on your property.

Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid climates, so Dallas is an ideal home for these pests.

Dallas has so many mosquitoes because the city has warm weather nearly year-long, with summertime temperatures consistently over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Dallas also enjoys fairly mild winters, which allows mosquitoes to have an extra-long breeding season.

Cold weather can significantly reduce mosquito populations, which is why they like to reside in warmer places like Dallas.

Another factor is humidity. Mosquitoes require moisture to breed, and humid air creates the perfect damp environment. In Dallas, humidity remains high in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Mosquitoes can reproduce and … Read Full Post »

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When Do Mosquitoes Come Out? How To Avoid These Pests

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
mosquitoes on a person's arm

As winter winds down, the days grow longer and the weather slowly begins to warm up. The beauty of it all almost makes us forget that it’s about time for mosquitoes to come out again. As many people know, mosquitoes are more active when it’s warmer outside. This is unfortunate because the same is also true for humans. Many of us, especially those of us with pleasant outdoor spaces, hope to get in as many comfortable afternoons and evenings outdoors as we can before mosquitoes come out in full force once again.

Of course, different people react to mosquito bites differently. Not everyone finds them terribly itchy and annoying, though many people do. Additionally, these pests seem drawn to certain people more than others—is it due to differences in pheromones? Carbon-dioxide output? Body heat levels? Do some people just have sweeter blood? Are mosquitoes attracted to perfume? As you feel yourself … Read Full Post »

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