Mosquitoes are a summertime problem in every state, and Alabama is no exception. A buzzing in your ear on a nice spring or summer evening is never pleasant. It seems like mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous pests, too, because they carry and spread illnesses like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria.
But even when they aren’t infecting you with these diseases, a swarm of mosquitoes will prevent you from enjoying being outside in your yard. As they are common in areas with a warm, humid climate like Alabama, you need to take pest control measures to keep them at bay.
This complete mosquito pest control guide will help you identify the mosquito, understand why they are a problem, and how to keep them away from your home and family.
Identifying the Mosquito
The mosquito is a tiny flying insect in the family Culicidae, with long legs, a slender body, and piercing mouthparts. Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals and feed on their blood to get protein for their eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar instead of blood.
There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, but the ones you should focus on if you are a homeowner in Alabama are:
- Aedes mosquitoes: Daytime biters, aggressive and fast, carry Zika and Dengue.
- Culex mosquitoes: Nighttime biters, carriers of West Nile.
- Anopheles mosquitoes: Responsible for malaria worldwide, though uncommon in the U.S.
Learning which mosquito you have will make mosquito pest control easier because you will know when they are out and about and the diseases they might carry.
Why Mosquitoes Are a Problem
Mosquitoes are one of those pests that sound like they shouldn’t be a big deal because they are small and don’t appear to be aggressive. In reality, they are one of the most dangerous pests in the world.
Mosquitoes cause problems such as:
- Health threats to your family by spreading Zika, West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and more
- Irritating allergic reactions from their itchy bites, which can lead to secondary infections if you scratch
- Limitations on your time outside, preventing you from using your patio, backyard, and visiting outdoor events
- Risk of heartworms to your pets, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition in cats and dogs
For these reasons, mosquitoes are one of the most important pests to control.
Mosquito Life Cycle
Mosquitoes go through four stages of life:
- Egg – Females lay their eggs in standing water.
- Larva – Eggs hatch into larvae (called wrigglers) that feed on organic matter.
- Pupa – Larvae develop into pupae (called tumblers) and prepare to become adults.
- Adult – Mosquitoes become adults and fly out of the water, seeking blood for reproduction.
All of these stages except the egg stage require water. For this reason, mosquito control includes eliminating standing water near your home.
Signs of a Mosquito Problem
Unlike other pests, mosquitoes don’t leave droppings or nesting material around your property. You will know if you have a mosquito problem because you will get itchy, painful mosquito bites.
Look for these signs of a mosquito problem:
- Bites, especially on exposed skin in the morning or evening
- Buzzing around your ears or inside your home
- Groups of mosquitoes near water, such as ponds, birdbaths, or gutters
- Pets showing signs of scratching or discomfort
If you see these signs often, you need to invest in mosquito pest control.
Mosquito Pest Control Strategy
The best mosquito control takes a multi-pronged approach to pest control.
Step 1: Get Rid of Breeding Areas
Mosquito pest control begins with cleaning up your property. Dump any water-holding containers and unclog gutters. Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes frequently. Even a small puddle in a bottle cap can become a mosquito breeding area.
Step 2: Tend to Your Yard
Mosquitoes rest in the tall grass, weeds, and shrubs during the day, so keep your yard trimmed. Clear it of debris and take landscaping measures to help rainwater drain away instead of forming puddles.
Step 3: Encourage Natural Predators
Mosquitoes have many predators, including dragonflies, frogs, and some birds. Consider installing a bat house to attract these natural mosquito predators to your property. They can drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes you have.
Step 4: Traps and Barriers
- Install or repair insect screens on windows and doors.
- Set up mosquito traps that attract and kill mosquitoes using CO₂ or UV light.
- Set up outdoor fans around patios because mosquitoes are weak fliers and air movement will keep them away.
Step 5: Chemical Treatments
If natural methods can’t control mosquitoes, it is time to turn to chemicals. Professional pest control companies may use larvicides in standing water and adulticides in yard fogging to kill mosquitoes. These treatments are safe for families and pets when applied by a professional.
Step 6: DIY Repellents
- Applying essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender oil to skin and using candles made with these oils.
- Spraying mosquito-repellent vinegar on patios and entryways.
- Growing mosquito-repellent plants such as citronella grass, marigolds, or basil.
Step 7: Call a Professional
If mosquitoes continue to be a problem after all your efforts, then professional pest control is the solution. Pest control companies use IPM techniques to apply treatments and monitor your yard over time to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Long-Term Mosquito Prevention Tips
The best mosquito pest control methods are those that keep the mosquito from coming back. Keep mosquitoes at bay with these mosquito prevention tips:
- Keep gutters clean and unclogged.
- Empty and clean outdoor containers at least once a week.
- Use mosquito netting around patios and outdoor dining areas.
- Install yard foggers or misting systems activated by motion detectors.
- Schedule routine pest control services at the beginning and end of mosquito season.
Mosquitoes vs. Other Pests
Mosquitoes are one of those pests that homeowners never have to worry about damaging their home or food supplies, unlike ants or roaches. However, they are one of the most dangerous pests because of the diseases they spread.
Mosquito pest control usually requires an entire community or neighborhood to work together. Mosquitoes can fly from one property to another in search of blood meals and water to breed in.
Professional Pest Control is Worth It
Mosquito pest control is one of those things you should let a professional take care of, even if you are going to try some of the above steps as well. A professional company offers the following advantages over DIY mosquito pest control:
- Advanced treatments that reach all mosquito life stages
- Safe, eco-friendly treatments that are non-toxic to families and pets
- Ongoing monitoring and treatment to keep mosquito populations low
- Customized mosquito control plans based on your home
The investment in professional pest control services is worth it when mosquitoes become a problem.
Summary and Takeaways
- Mosquitoes spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria.
- They live in warm, humid areas with a lot of standing water.
- Pest control tips include removing breeding areas, yard maintenance, natural predators, and targeted treatments.
- Natural mosquito repellents are helpful, but they aren’t enough in a large infestation.
- Professional pest control is needed for complete mosquito pest control.
- Pest control companies use eco-friendly mosquito repellents, including seasonal treatments.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Mosquitoes may be tiny, but they have a major impact on Alabama families. They prevent you from using your yard and going outside, and they put your family’s health at risk. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent mosquitoes, so they stop being a problem for you.
Don’t let mosquitoes take over your home. Contact Steel City Pest today for professional mosquito pest control. We specialize in eliminating mosquitoes all over Alabama, and we will help you too. We’ll apply targeted mosquito treatments after inspecting your home and yard for mosquito breeding sites.
