Nothing can ruin a summer afternoon in Richmond faster than mosquitoes. Their telltale buzz can drive anyone crazy, and their bite will leave you itching and scratching for days. With a name that is translated as “little fly,” mosquitoes can be found in every region of the United States. Find out about the dangers of mosquitoes, and what you can do to keep them away from your Richmond, VA, home and property with the trained professionals at Pestmaster® Services.

“Fun” Facts About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small flying insects, no longer than ½” inch with six legs. They are usually black or grey, and some have white, green, or blue markings. There are approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world. Interestingly, it is only female mosquitoes that bite. Because mosquitoes breed constantly, females will look for a blood meal every two days to be able to lay another batch of eggs.

If you feel that you attract mosquitoes more than the people around you, it isn’t just your imagination. Factors like blood type, body temperature, and certain naturally-occurring bacteria on your skin can attract mosquitoes.

The Dangers Of Mosquitoes

Despite their small size, mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous animals on the planet. Mosquitoes can carry a host of diseases, many of which can be passed on to humans or other animals with their bite. In the U.S., mosquitoes have been found to spread the West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and dengue fever. Throughout the world, they can spread yellow fever, malaria, and chikungunya.

Malaria is the biggest concern related to mosquitoes. The WHO estimates 1 million deaths a year are caused by mosquito bites, with a majority of those deaths attributed to malaria. While the CDC has mostly eliminated malaria in the United States, there are still approximately 1500 cases in the U.S. per year, mainly imported by travelers.

How To Keep Mosquitoes Off Your Property

With all the dangers that mosquitoes can bring, it is important to do what you can to keep them away from your home and property. Because their larvae develop in water, the biggest thing you can do to limit mosquitoes on your property is to control areas of standing water. Some areas to be aware of include:

Pool covers
Baby pools
Birdbaths (change the water regularly)
Flowerpots
Empty Tires
Anywhere standing water can collect after rain

Some other steps you can take to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes:

Avoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk, the times' mosquitoes are most active.
Use small fans to reduce mosquitoes at outdoor gatherings, as mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers.
Wear long sleeves and pants, as well as insect repellent if you are going to be outside while mosquitoes are active.
Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing and perfume.

These simple steps can help limit your exposure to mosquitoes and help keep you safe from the mosquito-borne disease.

Call The Mosquito Pros

Whether you have a current mosquito problem or are worried about mosquito prevention, contact Pestmaster® Services. Our Integrated Pest Management approach will treat and prevent mosquitoes now and in the future. One of our trained technicians will inspect your home and property for areas that may be attracting mosquitoes and provide guidance on how to eliminate those areas. Then we will apply treatment to kill any mosquitoes currently on your property, focusing on areas where adult mosquitoes live, using traditional treatment or the option of our all-natural garlic-based spray. Whatever your mosquito issue, let Pestmaster® Services protect your home and family.