You’ve experienced the wrath of a bloodthirsty mosquito. Just as you begin to drift asleep, an incessant buzzing tickles you awake. While you search for its location in a daze, the sound fades—only to start again as soon as you make a second attempt to sleep. Though it may seem like they’re purposefully baiting you at the worst possible time, in reality, they are attracted to the carbon dioxide you exhale. Unfortunately, once they find us, female bloodsuckers leave a nasty bite. Their saliva contains a blood thinner, which can cause an itchy allergic reaction and allows them to drain blood with ease.
They are among the most significant culprits of human suffering, and it’s not due to lack of sleep. Even more concerning are the potential pathogens that can infect their salivary glands. Mosquito-borne diseases kill more than one million people worldwide annually. Many associate such issues as a concern limited to those without accessible healthcare. However, diseases spread by them have been a problem in the United States in recent years. The 2,000s alone saw outbreaks of both St. Louis Encephalitis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. They are more than a mere nuisance—they’re a public health risk. In addition to disease, they threaten our food supply. Studies show that beef production and dairy output are adversely affected by large populations.
Of the 3,000 global species, 50 of them can be found in Virginia. Though the females only live a few weeks to a month, they can lay thousands of eggs within that time frame. There are species here synonymous with a disease whose common designations include the disease they carry, such as the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti). The king of the daytime biters is the invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito.
Some stick close to their breeding grounds, while others are keener to travel. The Black Salt Marsh mosquito is considered a significant pest for coastal Virginia. They migrate up to 40 miles after breeding in salt marshes. These vicious biters prefer mammals but feed whenever an opportunity presents itself. They also have a unique trait—traveling in large numbers as a cloud or “brood” prepared to attack. Other notable species include Southern House and Florida SLE, which carry West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, respectively. Pet owners beware; multiple species can transmit heartworms to man’s best friend.
They are a prevalent pest that requires continual attention. Different species have varying breeding habits, and it can be challenging to figure out precisely what kind of treatment is needed. At Victory Pest Management, we can effectively reduce populations while protecting your family and guests.
Environmental factors play a considerable role in control. For instance, standing water in an unused fountain can breed mosquitoes right in your yard. Similarly, certain plants such as the ever-popular Bromeliad hold water, producing thousands when it rains. A knowledgeable company is essential for devising a mosquito pest plan, and at Victory Pest Management, we are the area’s top-rated service. Contact us today for an estimate for mosquitoes and other buzzing pests.
