Mosquito Identification & Prevention

Mosquitoes are pests that we have contact with regularly. They thrive in Florida’s warm, humid temperatures and often establish large populations near or on our properties.

They are a type of small fly whose most distinguishing physical feature is their proboscis (an extended piercing, sucking mouthpart). Mosquitoes use their proboscis to feed; males and females suck up plant nectar, their primary food source. Females also use the proboscis to pierce through the skin of humans and animals and consume blood meals. Blood meals are required so the females can acquire the protein they need to develop healthy eggs.

Other physical features include wings, long thin legs, long feather-like antennae, small gray or black bodies, and white markings on some species. Reach out to us today for pest and lawn care services in Cape Coral!

Mosquitoes are carriers and vectors of some of the world’s most deadly diseases. These insects pose serious health risks, and controlling their numbers worldwide is important.

In Florida, diseases that mosquitoes are known for spreading include St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus. While the transmission of disease by mosquitoes in the United States isn’t as frequent as in other parts of the world, it still occurs.

In addition to spreading disease, mosquito bites are itchy and can cause unsightly red welts and scabbing because of scratching. Furthermore, excessive scratching at the bites can cause secondary infections that require medical attention.

Like people, mosquitoes are drawn to the warm temperatures that Florida provides them. Mosquitoes thrive in tropical climates, making our state a place where these pests swarm our outdoor spaces year-round.

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water. Florida and our periods of heavy rains produce a lot of standing water for these insects to take advantage of and establish large populations in and around our yards.

In addition to standing water, groups of mosquitoes gather in areas of shade. While some mosquitoes are active throughout the day, others are most active at dusk and dawn. Many types of mosquitoes like to rest during the day in areas that offer shelter from the sun’s rays. Common resting sites include tree canopies, tall grass and weeds, wood or rock piles, and decks.

While mosquitoes can become a problem in any outdoor space, wooded areas, marshlands, fields, and meadows are places that provide them with large amounts of standing water and shade.

In and around our yards, mosquitoes gather around containers that collect standing water, low-lying areas, wading pools, drainage ditches, clogged gutters, and tall grass along fencelines and walkways.

Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate mosquitoes from our outdoor spaces completely. These pests live throughout our state, constantly reproducing and making more mosquitoes. The best way to keep them away from your yard and family is to partner with a local professional pest control company that can perform regular home pest control and lawn care treatments.

Coastal Lawn and Pest professionals are here to help you keep mosquitoes at bay. Our mosquito control services are designed to meet the unique needs of property owners in Florida. We will work closely with you to determine what type of action will yield the best results for your property. Contact us today and speak with one of our professionals to learn more!

Mosquitoes live and breed in the outdoor spaces all around us. Preventing these pests from finding their way to our outdoor spaces is tricky. In conjunction with regular mosquito control treatments, implement the following prevention tips:

• Fill in low-lying areas and make sure your yard has good drainage.
• Don’t overwater your lawn or gardens.
• Regularly empty and re-fill wading pools, pet water bowls, and bird baths with fresh water.
• Store containers that can collect rainwater upside down.
• If you have rain barrels on your property, ensure they have lids.
• If you own a pool or water feature, ensure the water is appropriately treated and continuously circulates.

Call today for more mosquito prevention tips and information about our mosquito control solutions.