Mosquitoes are small pests that vary in color depending on the species. They can be gray, black, or brown, with white, silver, green, or blue markings. Mosquitoes range in size from one-eighth of an inch to half an inch long. They have six legs, a pair of wings, a pair of antennae, and a long, multi-part proboscis.
Mosquitoes primarily feed on plant nectar, which provides them with the energy they need to survive. Both male and female mosquitoes consume nectar from flowers and other plants as their main food source. However, female mosquitoes also require blood in order to reproduce. They seek out mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians to feed on, using the nutrients in the blood to develop their eggs. This blood-feeding behavior is unique to females, while males rely solely on nectar throughout their lives.
No, not all mosquitoes bite humans. Only female mosquitoes are capable of biting because their mouthparts are designed to pierce the skin. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, have a different proboscis structure that doesn’t allow them to bite. Additionally, even among female mosquitoes, not all species prefer to bite humans—some are more likely to bite other animals.
Yes, mosquitoes pose a health risk due to their ability to transmit diseases. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it can pick up pathogens. If it later bites a human, it may transmit those pathogens into the person’s bloodstream.
The most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States is West Nile virus. Most people can fight off this virus with little difficulty and often don’t show any symptoms. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, more serious complications.
In the Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, other mosquito-borne diseases include St. Louis encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis. Around the world, diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya also spread through mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes thrive in moist, humid environments and require standing water to breed, making them rare in extremely dry areas. Yards with flowering plants that produce nectar also attract mosquitoes.
Certain human traits and conditions make some people more appealing to mosquitoes. These include dark clothing, scented products like perfumes and lotions, sweat, type O blood, pregnancy, and alcohol consumption.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. They don’t need a pond—just a small puddle with as little as a quarter-inch of rainwater will do. Any area that collects water in your yard could serve as a mosquito breeding ground. Common breeding sites include:
The potential breeding spots for mosquitoes are nearly endless.
To effectively reduce mosquito activity in your yard, take a two-pronged approach: implement the prevention tips listed below and maintain an ongoing mosquito control plan. This combination will help minimize the mosquito population around your home.
While it’s impossible to eliminate every mosquito, professional mosquito control significantly reduces their numbers. The Pied Piper offers mosquito control barrier protection, using a fogging treatment applied around your home’s exterior and throughout your yard for immediate relief.
Our mosquito fogging treatments remain effective for three to four weeks. We recommend regular mosquito control services throughout mosquito season to keep activity levels low all season long.
To prevent mosquitoes, eliminate their breeding and resting areas. You can do this by:
For the best mosquito prevention, pair these tips with regular mosquito control services from The Pied Piper. We’ll help you keep your yard a safe, comfortable place to enjoy this summer.
Dustin is top notch both professionally and also on a personal level. Very attentive to detail, prompt and precise. And as an individual he is friendly, caring and trustworthy. You have a superb company representative here.
Laura P.
Azle, TX
Tristan did a very thorough job on our home. It was our first service and he explained all the various actions and provided some good insight in tasks owners can take to manage the process between services. Good experience.
Steve M.
Eufaula, OK
We’ve used Pied Piper Pest Control for over two years. We highly recommend them. Every technician is highly trained and very professional. We are out in the country and our young grandchildren visit frequently. We never worry about wasps, hornets, spiders, scorpions or mice thanks to the thorough and effective service we receive from Piper Pest Control. Their team answers all our questions and is consistently great at communicating with us. Thank you for your profession demeanor and great service!
Stacey H.
Eufaula, OK
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