Meet the best-known summer pest_The Mosquito

Abell Pest Control

Not only is the mosquito the most well-known summertime pest, but it's also perhaps the most aggravating. Disturbing perfect summer evenings outdoors roasting s'mores by the bonfire and always biting when you least expect, mosquitos are easily the worst pests in the summer. The good news is that there are ways to help prevent mosquitos.

The Culex Mosquito
In North America alone there are more than 170 different mosquito species, reported the National Pest Management Association. The most common kind of summer pest is the culex mosquito, known to breed in soft soil or stagnant water. Narrow and oval with six legs and antennae, the culex mosquito is predominately gray in color with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales, though these are often hard to see due to its small size. Interestingly, only female mosquito feed on human blood. Males, on the other hand, feed on the nectar from plants.

Health threats
The United States Environmental Protection Agency stated that though most mosquito bites are quite harmless, some may be responsible for transmitting serious diseases. Most bites are itchy and bothersome, though not dangerous. However, if a mosquito carrying malaria, dengue fever or a form of encephalitis such as West Nile virus bites you, you are at risk for developing the disease as well. This is largely area- and region-dependent, but caution is still advised.

The most recent risk in relation to this pest is the Zika virus, spread through the bite of an Aedes species mosquito infected with the disease, reported the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was named a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016 by the World Health Organization.

Mosquito prevention
The National Pesticide Information Center advised keeping containers outside that are known to collect water - such as cans and trash bins, flower pots, gutters and birdbaths - void of water in the summertime. Frequently checking to ensure that these spaces are dry, especially after it rains, is key for disrupting the breeding of mosquitos and thus, reducing the number of them near your home. Swimming pools and hot tubs especially should be kept covered. It's also important to ensure that all windows and screens are in good condition and do not have any tears, rips or holes.

When it comes to personal protection, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are advised while outdoors, especially when mosquitos are most active - in the evening and early morning, according to the source. Applying a mosquito repellent whenever you spend time outdoors is also important for prevention.


About the author:

Abell Pest Control is a family owned Canadian company dedicated to providing effective, professional and courteous service in pest management.Started in 1924 with one office, Abell now employs several hundred people with branch offices across Canada and the United States.

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