Back in “black and white times,” as my kids once called the 1950s and 1960s, mosquito control was easy. Exterminators just sprayed lots of DDT all over your property. This powerful insecticide killed, or at least seriously sickened, basically every breathing organism it touched. That included flies, mosquitoes, pets, and people.
Fortunately, black and white times have given way to modern times, as my kids used to say. Today, controlling these flying insects calls for a more selective and intelligent approach. If done right, it’s every bit as effective as DDT.
By the way, in case you’re wondering, caveman times and Bible times preceded black and white times. Those were the epochs of human history.
Where They Breed
Most people know that mosquitoes breed near stagnant water. Their eggs need lots of water. And, the larvae are more active in water. Since flowing water literally washes away eggs and larvae, that leaves standing water.
But that’s only part of the story. Most people do not know how little water it takes. A children’s toy will do, as will drops of water on an outdoor grill. Additionally, your yard may be clutter-free, quite unlike mine. However, you have no control over the standing water in your neighbor’s yard. And when those mosquitoes decide to feed, guess where they will go.
Moreover, the latest research suggests that mosquito eggs can survive outside water, at least if it is very hot and humid outside. That sounds like an Alabama summer, doesn’t it?
How to Get Rid of Them
Based on the lack of control over other houses in the neighborhood and the new evidence about egg-laying habits, simply keeping things dry is not enough. You may still get lots of mosquitoes even if you are very diligent in this area.
At A Plus Pest Control, we are very big on prevention. Our anti-mosquito program usually relies on a protective barrier which extends all the way around your house and yard. That’s your first and best line of defense.
Occasionally, a mosquito may sneak past the barrier. That’s especially true because mosquitoes randomly zig-zag. They do not fly in relatively straight lines, like wasps or other flying insects. Luckily, individual mosquitoes are frail creatures which are easy to swat or spray. The protective barrier and a good pest control-directed yard cleaning should take care of any serious infestations.Contact us to get rid of mosquitoes and other pests.
