The Mosquito Control Guide for Northern Virginia Residents
Mosquitoes can be a huge nuisance, especially during the summer months. Not only are they annoying, but they can also transmit diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria. If you live in Northern Virginia, it's important to take steps to control the mosquito population in your area. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best ways to eliminate mosquitoes from your property. We will cover:
- Where Mosquitoes Come From
- Methods To Keep Mosquitoes Away
- Professional Mosquito Control
Where Do Mosquitoes Come From?
There are a few different places where mosquitoes can come from. They can breed in standing water, like ponds, lakes, and marshes. They can also come from areas with a lot of moisture, like swampy areas or damp soil. If you have any standing water on your property, it's important to empty it out on a regular basis. This will help to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. A lot of people may think mosquitoes are born as they appear, but they actually go through 4 different stages. The egg, larva, pupa, then adult. The eggs are submerged in water and the larvae will develop into pupae in the water. This process only takes around 5 days, and the pupae will develop into an adult in only 2 to 3 days. This entire process is rapid, so having an entire colony appear in your yard happens swiftly, and the next thing you know, you're stuck with a full-blown mosquito infestation.
Mosquito Control Methods
There are a few different methods you can use to keep mosquitoes away from your home. The first is to remove any standing water sources in or around your property. This means things like empty flower pots, buckets, old tires, and anything else that could collect rainwater. If you have a pool, make sure to keep it properly chlorinated so that it doesn't become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A hiding spot individuals may forget about, but a favorite among mosquitoes is your gutter. Gutters can get clogged very easily, and this standing water is a perfect breeding ground as it is hardly interrupted unless you clean them out.
Another method of mosquito control is to use insect repellent whenever you go outside. Repellents that contain DEET are the most effective at keeping mosquitoes away. You can also wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors to protect yourself from bites. If you are looking for more natural remedies, look to different scents that can repel mosquitoes, such as:
- Clove
- Cedarwood
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
Finally, install or repair screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from getting inside your home. If you are wondering how this pest got inside, chances are it came from a broken screen or a crack around your window or door. If they've found a way inside, use a fan or indoor fogger to deter them.
Professional Mosquito Control in Northern Virginia
Sometimes, you can do everything right, yet mosquitoes stay determined to ruin your Summer nights. If you live close to a lake or pond, chances are they will find their way near your home unless you treat the entire body of water. If you are out of options, don't let the pests win! Contact a company that has experience in this field like Connor’s Pest Pros. Our exterminators have been servicing the local community around DC with the mindset of making an impact on limiting pests so you don't have to. This is why we offer same-day servicing and 100% satisfaction guarantees! Don’t let mosquitoes win and conquer your property again.