An itchy welt might not be worth complaining too much about, but that's not the only thing these parasites threaten to gift us with; annually, mosquito-borne illnesses kill over one million people worldwide, including:
- Malaria
- Zika Virus
- West Nile Virus
- Chikungunya
- Dengue Fever
- Yellow Fever
- Several strains of Encephalitis
Identifying Mosquitoes On Your Oklahoma City Property
There are several different species of mosquitoes commonly found in Oklahoma, but all have the same anatomical structure. They have one pair of wings, a small thorax, six long legs, and a proboscis they use to consume their meals. They vary in size from roughly 1/8th to ½ of an inch long, and their coloring ranges from black to gray, to black and white stripes, and even dusty brown.
Interestingly enough, male mosquitoes don't consume blood at all; the only reason females consume blood is to help them produce eggs. Otherwise, they happily feast on plant juices and nectar. Controlling the mosquito population on your property can be pretty tricky, though, so how can you keep a few frequent fliers from becoming an overwhelming menace?
One: Remove Standing Water
The number one essential element mosquitoes need to thrive in standing water and excessive moisture. Not only do they have a difficult time retaining moisture like other bugs, but they also lay their eggs in standing water such as puddles, bird feeders, rain buckets, and small ponds. In fact, mosquitoes spend the majority of their lives within the water.
To avoid helping the mosquito population on your Oklahoma City property multiply, always dump out any receptacles that catch water, refresh any containers meant to hold water outdoors, and ensure your lawn has proper drainage. If you find that your lawn retains a lot of moisture after a heavy rain, it may be time to look into landscaping modification and turf aeration.
Two: Lawn Care Maintenance
Since mosquitoes don't retain moisture well, they have to hide in shade and cooler areas during the hotter hours of the day. Tall grass, overgrown shrubs and underbrush, and unkempt gardens are ideal areas for mosquitoes to hide to beat the heat. To combat this, keep a lawn maintenance schedule. Mow your lawn at least once a week, and trim back brush, bushes, and gardens when they get unruly.
Three: Limit Food Supply
As I mentioned before, mosquitoes don't only feast on blood, and only the females require those specific proteins to produce offspring. They primarily drink plant juices and nectar as well, and even then they don't only drink blood from humans. Rodents, birds, and other outdoor animals are all susceptible to the itchy bites of this fiendish flier. There are ways to minimize their food sources, though:
- Place minimal amounts of flowering plants around the perimeter of your home
- Avoid over-watering your garden
- Keep tight-fitting lids on all outdoor trashcans to keep rodents from scavenging
- Remove any brush and woodpiles from your lawn
- Use bug repellents whenever you're outside, and wear long sleeves and pants if possible
Four: Your Local Pest Control Company
An out-of-control mosquito population on your Oklahoma City property isn't just a nuisance, it's a health hazard. Thankfully, our highly-trained pest professionals at Guaranteed Pest Service of Oklahoma are specially trained to take care of your parasitic problems. With top-of-the-line pest control products and equipment, we are more than confident in our ability to provide complete satisfaction. Don't let mosquitoes scare you into hiding this summer. Get in contact with us today, and start discussing your pest control options right away.
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