If you’re spending time outside your Owensboro, Kentucky property in the warm months, mosquitoes can make a good evening absolutely miserable. These small flying insects are known for getting a blood meal from human or animal hosts and leaving behind itchy bumps that can be annoying for days. However, mosquitoes aren’t just nuisance pests as they can spread many serious diseases.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you first need to know how to identify them. They have six, thin legs and long, skinny bodies. They are usually grey but their markings can vary somewhat. Their most characteristic feature is their proboscis, a nose-like appendage that they use to drink blood or nectar.
It’s also important to know where mosquitoes are usually found. These difficult pests prefer warm, humid environments next to standing water as this is where they lay their eggs. They often rest in the shade of foliage during the day, so areas with a lot of overgrown plants appeal to them, too.
The Immense Danger Of Mosquitoes
The itchy bites mosquitoes leave behind are just the beginning of the health problems they can cause. They are also known to cause allergies, but the real reason they are so dangerous is that they can spread so many deadly diseases.
In fact, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animal on the planet as they are estimated to cause about one million deaths per year. Some of the specific illnesses mosquitoes transmit include Zika virus, Dengue, West Nile virus, malaria, and chikungunya.
While certain mosquito-borne illnesses are more prevalent in some areas of the world than others, there is always a risk of sickness if you’re bitten by mosquitoes in Owensboro. So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and do what you can to keep mosquitoes away.
Effective Mosquito Prevention Tips
Because mosquitoes are so dangerous, knowing how to prevent them is key. There are steps you can take to make your property less appealing to mosquitoes as well as things you can do to avoid being bitten. Here are six of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes and keep yourself safe:
- Mosquitoes need standing water, so remove any from your property and ensure that rainwater can drain by clearing gutters.
- Keep trees, bushes, and shrubs trimmed to reduce the areas where mosquitoes can rest.
- If you have water features like fountains and pools, keep them cleaned and cycled. You should make sure that the proper chemicals are used and consider using covers.
- Avoid going outdoors during dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- When outdoors, wear light-colored clothing and mosquito repellent.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and other sweet-smelling drinks and food items while outdoors.
The Best Way To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
Taking measures on your own to keep mosquitoes away and avoid bites is a great way to reduce the risks of mosquitoes. However, they are generally a very difficult pest to keep away and even harder to eradicate. The most effective way to protect your home or business is to contact the Owensboro pest control experts at Action Pest Control.
We offer both one-time mosquito control options as well as community and commercial abatement options. Find out more about our mosquito control plans by giving us a call today and requesting your free inspection.