Mosquitoes are relentless during the summer months in New York. These tiny bugs can swarm around and bite you multiple times, making it incredibly difficult to enjoy the outdoors. If you are seeing mosquitoes on your property, there is usually a reason for that. At Parkway Pest Services, our experienced Nassau County pest control specialists know how to help you find the root cause of your mosquito problem so that you can get rid of them for good.
Mosquitoes Are Pollinators
Bees aren't the only flying insects responsible for pollinating the various plants in the world. Several other insects are pollinators as well, and the mosquito is one of them. While the mosquito may not be well-known for their pollinating abilities, they still play a major role in pollination and plant reproduction.
This may come as a surprise, but blood is not the only thing mosquitoes eat. In fact, only the female mosquitoes drink the blood of animals and people, and they only do this for reproduction. The rest of the time, the female mosquitoes eat the same thing all male mosquitoes eat; nectar from plants and flowers.
While the mosquitoes in Nassau County are traveling from flower to flower, they will pick up and drop off pollen to different plants. Because they are smaller than bees and other pollinators, they don't deposit as much pollen as the other animals. But every little bit helps.
How Mosquito Bites Spread Dangerous Disease
Female mosquitoes bite people and animals because they need extra protein to lay eggs. They have a long, needle-like mouthpiece that is able to painlessly pierce your skin and allow them to siphon out blood. When a mosquito drinks the blood of a person or animal infected with a disease or virus, they are likely to become infected as well. Then, when that same mosquito bites you, it will inject a small amount of saliva into your body, which can pass the disease to you. Some of the different illnesses that mosquitoes in Nassau County can transmit include dengue, encephalitis, tularemia, West Nile virus, and chikungunya.
Mosquitoes are known to be the most dangerous animal in the world and are thought to be responsible for around 700,000 deaths each year. However, the majority of mosquito-related deaths do not take place in the United States. Most severe illnesses come from the mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading the Zika virus and malaria, which are not native to this area.
Proactive Tips To Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Yard
Mosquitoes like warm areas with plenty of shade and a viable water source. Some of the things that you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your home include:
- Keep the grass in your yard cut short
- Reduce the amount of vegetation in your yard to eliminate shaded areas
- Remove old tires, lawn equipment, or any other object that can hold water
- Clean out kiddie pools and bird baths often
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Try to avoid being outside during these times to reduce your chances of getting bit.
Pro Mosquito Control Offers The Best Protection For Your Yard
If you are dealing with mosquitoes around your property, Parkway Pest Services can help. We offer a multi-step mosquito control plan that will both eliminate and prevent mosquito infestations on your Nassau County property. Give us a call today to see how we can make your yard mosquito-free all summer long.