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What Are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are pesky creatures that can ruin any time you try to spend outdoors. Mosquitoes have slender bodies, narrow wings, six long legs, and extended mouthparts they use for feeding. Most are black or brown, but some have white markings. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, and the larvae that hatches are called wigglers, because of the way they move around the surface of the water. These fly-like insects relentlessly deliver bites to people and animals to feed on their blood. However, it is only the females that bite, because they require blood meals to produce viable eggs. Males and females both feed on plant nectar.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are dangerous pests for several reasons:

Mosquitoes can spread diseases like the West Nile virus and encephalitis that can make people very ill.
In developing countries, mosquitoes spread malaria that affects millions each year, making them one of the world’s most dangerous insects.
The bites that mosquitoes deliver are itchy; excessive itching may lead to a secondary infection that requires treatment.

It is important to remember that not every mosquito you come into contact with is carrying a disease. The best way to protect yourself from itchy mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit is to take steps to avoid as much contact as possible.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

If your property is near areas of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, you will have a mosquito problem. Mosquitoes tend to travel only a few hundred feet from where they hatch, so the ones you have on your property likely hatched on or close to your property.

Tall grasses and areas of dense vegetation also attract mosquitoes; they hide in both to escape the heat during the hottest parts of the day. Mosquitoes also love flowering vegetation because plant nectar is their primary source of food.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are outdoor pests and can be anywhere there are areas of standing water. The hot, rainy summer produces high mosquito numbers because the rainwater provides them with plenty of breeding grounds. You will find that mosquitoes are most active in temperatures that are above 80 degrees. Mosquitoes breed and live in a variety of places, including our yards, wooded areas, athletic fields, marshes, and near lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

Only a professional should handle the task of eliminating mosquitoes from your Tennessee property. At Colonial Pest Control, we have 50 years of combined pest control experience. We know pests and how to eradicate them from properties once and for all!

We guarantee our results and take pride in treating our customers like family. We are a local company dedicated to using only the most efficient, cutting-edge services possible. If you are looking for exceptional pest control solutions for your Knoxville area home or business, contact the pest professionals at Colonial Pest Control today!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

In addition to our professional mosquito control services, take the time necessary to implement these easy-to-execute prevention tips:

Don’t overwater gardens. Mosquitoes require a lot of water for survival; the more water you provide, the more attracted they will be to your property.
Eliminate areas of standing water from your property where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Fill any low-lying areas in your yard or driveway, store containers that can collect water upside down, and keep your gutters clear.
Dump out any water that does collect in containers around your yard.
Regularly shake off any water that collects on tarps or the tops of trash can lids.
If you collect rainwater in barrels, make sure the barrels have lids, and you empty them regularly.
Get rid of leaf piles and excess wood piles that may collect water.
Keep the grass on your property cut short.
Prevent shrubs, bushes, trees, and other vegetation from overgrowing and acting as hiding spots for tired and hot mosquitoes.
Keep mosquitoes out of your home by keeping doors and windows shut and repairing any torn screens.