Mosquitoes are a common pest found in many areas of the world. There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes, with 176 of those species found in the United States. Many people believe that the reason mosquitoes bite is because they need to feed on human blood, but this is not true. Mosquitoes actually feed on plant nectar, similarly to bees. Female mosquitoes suck blood to help with the development of their eggs prior to laying them, while male mosquitoes don’t feed on blood at all.  

Mosquitoes are an important part of the ecosystem as they're a source of food for many other organisms.  But let's be real, they can be super annoying to humans, and, at times, dangerous because they can carry diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. It's a good idea to apply insect repellent when outdoors to avoid mosquito bites. And if a mosquito bite starts to worry you, don't hesitate to get medical help ASAP.

Mosquito Facts

• Name: Derived from a Spanish word meaning "little fly"
• Size: Varies in size, but most don’t grow to be longer than 3/5 inch
• Appearance: Thin bodies made up of three sections and two wings

Common mosquito species include:

• Anopheles mosquitoes, nicknamed “Malaria Mosquitoes”, are dark colored and covered with brown to black hairs.  Known as vectors for the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, that claims the lives of over 440,000 people annually, primarily in subtropical and tropical areas and especially in sub-Saharan Africa. With 460 anopheles species in existence, about 100 transmit the protozoan malaria parasite to humans, while some carry the parasites that cause the often fatal heartworm disease in dogs.
• Asian tiger mosquitoes were imported to the US in the mid-1980s and are known for their striped bodies and banded legs. Described as aggressive and obnoxious by media outlets, Asian tiger mosquitoes are now considered to be the most invasive mosquito species in the US. Unlike most indigenous species, they bite assertively and can survive the colder temperatures in northern climates. Asian tiger mosquitoes can transmit the Zika virus as well as over 20 other diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever, and two types of encephalitis.

Mosquito Habitats

Mosquitoes live in a range of habitats but are primarily found near sources of standing water, which is essential for the hatching of mosquito eggs. Some mosquito species lay their eggs directly into standing or stagnant water, while others simply lay their eggs in damp soil and wait for it to flood. These "floodwater" species typically lay their eggs in the fall, and these eggs can survive the winter, hatching when spring rains inundate their habitats. A single female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at once, which can lead to a rapid and extensive infestation.

Controlling mosquitoes can be challenging because these pests are adaptable to different and changing conditions. Homeowners can take various measures to prevent infestations, as well as to eliminate existing ones.  Tasks include disposing of or emptying containers outdoors that can collect stagnant water, such as buckets, cans, tins, and tires.

Truly Nolen's Mosquito Control Program will eliminate mosquitoes on your property, then lay down a barrier treatment to keep them from coming back for weeks. Here's how the program works:

1. A thorough inspection of the property, combined with an in-person interview, helps our trained inspector properly identify the type of mosquito and develop the right type of treatment for your environment.
2. Dormant Sites. We start by treating locations and hidden spots around your yard where mosquitoes are likely to breed. The goal is to eliminate the larvae that would have otherwise grown into adult mosquitoes.
3. Active Sites. Next, we treat key areas of the property to eliminate existing adult mosquitoes.
4. Barrier Treatment. Finally, our attention turns to ensuring that mosquitoes don't return. We achieve this through a barrier treatment using a residual material designed to eliminate new mosquitoes when they land in your yard.
5. Mosquito Trapping Systems. This optional step involves the installation of one or more mosquito traps around the property, which can aid in reducing adult mosquito populations.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from pesky mosquitoes by calling Truly Nolen of Daytona Beach today!

Contact us today to learn more about our mosquito treatment options.