ABC Blog

How Far Do Mosquitoes Travel?

a mosquito on a leaf

Did you know that some mosquitoes stay close to their nest for their entire lives while others will fly up to three miles away? Understanding how far mosquitoes travel is more than a fun piece of trivia. It’s an important element of mosquito behavior that homeowners need to know about to keep populations of these pests low on their property.

The most important thing to remember is to act quickly when you have a mosquito infestation on your property. The most effective way to reduce mosquitoes is to work with a professional pest control service.

How Far Do Mosquitoes Travel?

How far a mosquito travels depends on its species. For example, some mosquito species, such as the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus, do not travel more than a few hundred feet away from their breeding grounds.

It’s important to note that these two mosquito species are known for spreading diseases like chikungunya, dengue and … Read Full Post »

Mosquito Prevention for Yard: Tips and Tricks

a group of mosquitoes

Do you dream of sitting out in your backyard, enjoying the weather or a beautiful sunset, without fear that mosquitoes are lurking about and waiting to bite? You’re not alone!

Mosquitoes are a common pest found in nearly every part of the world. In fact, more than 3,000 species of mosquito have been identified around the globe.

Mosquitoes can be a major nuisance, ruining outdoor relaxation and gatherings, and generally making gardening and other yard tasks miserable. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, in addition to contacting a pest control professional to help.

Tips for Mosquito Prevention

Your outdoor spaces should be enjoyed without the annoying buzz of mosquitoes. A few common tips for mosquito prevention include:

  • At least once a week, remove, cover or throw out any items that can hold standing water. Look for tires, buckets, planters, toy pools, birdbaths, etc.
  • Ensure you … Read Full Post »

What is the Life Span of a Mosquito?

How long do most mosquitoes live? Understanding the lifespan of common mosquito species can help you better control mosquitoes around your property. To understand the mosquito lifespan, you need to learn about their life cycle and the phases they go through.

Next, there are key differences between female versus male mosquitoes. Understanding how each sex looks and behaves can help homeowners keep them at bay.

Finally, mosquito bites are uncomfortable, and everyone reacts to them differently. Keep reading to learn how to treat a common mosquito bite.

What is the Life Span of a Mosquito?

Two of the most common species of mosquitoes are the Aedes and the Anopheles mosquitoes. It’s important for homeowners to understand the life span of both species since they are most likely to encounter these pests.

The best way to treat a mosquito problem is to control them at all stages of their life cycles, from egg to adult. Keep … Read Full Post »

Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

an anopheles mosquito

It’s important for homeowners to know the difference between anopheles mosquitoes and other mosquito species, especially when it comes to their appearance and habits. Luckily, there are several ways to tell anopheles mosquitoes apart from other species.

If you have a mosquito problem on your property, it’s best to call a pest control specialist.

Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

Anopheles mosquitoes differ from other species in several ways. First, their bodies are slimmer and they often position themselves at an angle. While other mosquitoes remain parallel to the ground at rest, anopheles mosquitoes perch at a 30 or 45-degree angle. They also keep this exact position when feeding on humans and animals.

Their angled position makes their body shape look like an arrow. In general, their bodies are much smaller than other mosquito species. Anopheles are black or dark brown in color, and they have three body sections: the head, thorax and abdomen.

Anopheles mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

Do Crane Flies Eat Mosquitoes?

a crane fly

You’ve seen them flying around the porch at night. They look like enormous mosquitoes. Their bodies are an inch long or more, and their long, spindly legs can be three inches across. They’re crane flies, but they have a lot of names.

Common names for crane flies include:

  • mosquito hawks
  • skeeter eaters
  • gallinippers
  • gollywhoppers
  • Texas mosquitoes

Some people are put off by their size; others think they’re giant mosquitoes. Crane flies do look like Jurassic mosquitoes, after all. There is a large mosquito called the gallinipper, but it’s nowhere near the size of a crane fly. Just to add to the confusion, many people like to see them around because they think they eat mosquitoes.

What Exactly Are Crane Flies?

There are over 15,000 species of crane flies. They’re classified in the order of “true flies,” like mosquitoes, but they’re in separate families. That’s why they look so much alike, but that’s where the similarities end.

So they’re not mosquitoes, … Read Full Post »

Mosquito Repellent Plants in Texas

a group of mosquitoes

In Texas, mosquitoes can be irritating, whether you’re spending time outdoors or trying to enjoy your peaceful garden. However, Texas is home to many species of plants that can help repel mosquitoes.

Some plants release oils into the air that mosquitoes find unpleasant, which may help keep them away from your home.

Additionally, certain types of flora also provide an environment unsuitable for mosquitoes to bother you. These plants may soak up excess water, and since mosquitoes prefer still water sources to lay their eggs, they will make their homes elsewhere.

While professional pest control strategies are the best way to control mosquitoes, a few plants in Texas can help you avoid unwanted pests.

Citronella

Citronella is one of Texas’s most well-known plants used to ward off mosquitoes. It works by masking the smells of your skin and emitting an unpleasant aroma for mosquitoes.

Citronella plants are heat and drought-tolerant. They grow well in most parts … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Active at Night?

a mosquito on jeans

Few things beat an evening sitting out on the porch or lounging in the backyard while the kids play in the pool. Of course, one thing that can wreck your entire evening is mosquitoes. They seem to come out of nowhere just after sunset and can be relentless.

You may have noticed that if you go inside and return later when it’s dark, the mosquitoes aren’t nearly as bad. So if you came out even later, would they be gone? Many homeowners wonder, are these pests active all night, or do mosquitoes sleep like us?

Mosquitoes are Indeed Active at Night

The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t explain why they’re such a nuisance at dusk. If you’re in the habit of walking or porch-sitting at sunrise, you’ve probably noticed they’re awful then, too.

There are many species of mosquitoes. Some, like the common house mosquito, are much more common than others. Some … Read Full Post »

How To Deter Mosquitoes

a mosquito on skin

Warm and sunny days are perfect for beach trips, hikes, picnics and barbeques. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can ruin all the fun. These common, flying insects prefer to breed in hot and humid weather, feasting on human blood to create healthy eggs.

Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, but that’s the least of your concerns. They transmit various diseases, some of which can be fatal to humans. That’s why you should protect yourself and your family from these pests.

To help you, here’s a guide on how to deter mosquitoes. If they’ve already taken over your property, you should contact a pest control professional to safeguard you and your family.

How to Prevent Indoor Mosquitoes

Your home should be a stress-free zone, but mosquitoes can destroy your peace. They are especially bothersome at night, buzzing around and biting when you’re trying to get some sleep. Here are steps to prevent indoor mosquitoes.

Fly Screens

Equip all your windows … Read Full Post »

Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Identification & Control

an aedes aegypti mosquito

It’s not hard to know when you have mosquitoes around. They definitely have a way of announcing themselves. But, what kind of mosquito are you dealing with? There are several common species. Some bite during the day, some at night and some will bite whenever they can. Knowing what kind you’re dealing with can help you fight back. What’s more, different species carry different diseases. Knowing what kind of mosquito is biting you might also help your doctor diagnose the cause if you come down with symptoms after a mosquito bite.

Why You Should Know the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

Yellow fever isn’t commonly known in the U.S. The few cases seen each year in the US are typically travelers from Africa or South America. That might lead you to think the yellow fever mosquito isn’t a major concern here. The reality is that while Aedes aegypti is the most common vector for … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Carbon Dioxide?

a mosquito on denim

Are you a super attractor for mosquitoes? These pesky insects are attracted to many odors and chemicals that humans give off, and some people attract them more than others.

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes, such as wearing light-colored clothing and using an effective insect repellant.

If mosquitoes have become a nuisance on your property, the best way to control them is to identify where they are laying their eggs. Female mosquitos can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and it doesn’t take long for them to hatch into larvae. Knowing what larvae look like and where they live while they molt is an important step in eliminating a mosquito infestation.

One place that mosquitoes love to lay eggs is inside pet water bowls. Read this guide to learn how to keep them out of your pet’s water. Finally, … Read Full Post »