Mosquito Pest Control in Phoenix, Arizona
Mosquito Activity in Our Area
Even in relatively dry states like Arizona, irrigation systems and surrounding lakes, as well as stagnant puddles, ponds, and pools create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Common Mosquitoes in AZ
Of the 176 species of mosquitoes in the United States, the following are found in Arizona:
- Asian Tiger Mosquito
- Western Encephalitis Mosquito
- Southern House Mosquito
- Dark Rice Field Mosquito
- Yellow Fever Mosquito
- Western Malaria Mosquito
- Inland Floodwater Mosquito
Are Mosquitoes Harmful?
Most of us are familiar with the annoying itch caused by a mosquito bite. But in some cases, these bites are responsible for spreading deadly diseases, such as the West Nile virus, the Zika virus, malaria, and St. Louis Encephalitis. That’s all the more reason to keep these little pests at bay.
What’s Attracting Mosquitoes Around Your Home?
- Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Anything with even a small amount of standing water like tires, buckets, and birdbaths, provides the right breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes seek shelter wherever they can find it. Yard debris makes a good hiding spot for them. They rest underneath piles of leaves and grass clippings, and in standing grass and shrubs.
- Water features and irrigation leaks are a mosquito’s dream. Not only do they provide standing water, but they provide a place where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and larvae can develop.
Ways to Fight the Scourge of Mosquitoes
- Dump all standing water and prevent it from pooling again by keeping garbage cans tightly sealed, unclogging gutters, and other measures.
- Maintain pools and water features.
- Repair dripping outdoor faucets or irrigation leaks.
- Keep grasses cut and shrubs trimmed.
- Clear debris, especially wet vegetation.
- Schedule integrated pest management with an exterminator
DIY Mosquito Control
Sitting water is a hotspot for mosquito breeding sites. If you can locate the water source attracting the mosquitoes, the first step is to disturb it by dumping the water out or draining it. If the site is an enclosed space like a flower pot, you can fill the holes with sand or gravel to keep future infestations from occurring.
For sites where eliminating the water source isn’t an option, you can use an approved insecticide such as Methoprene or Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis(Bti). Backyard foggers can also offer temporary protection from mosquitoes and work great before outdoor events. Residual insecticide sprays stay on surfaces for up to a month and can reach infestations in thicker foliage.
You can also find store-bought remedies like mosquito traps that use a scent-based attractant, bug zappers, and attract-and-kill sprays that use a mixture of sugar water and toxicant for extermination. Another more controversial option is installing a timed backyard mister system to release insecticide mist or fog throughout the yard. The use of this kind of mosquito control can harm the natural ecosystem and beneficial bugs.
Serving Our Community and Beyond
In many parts of the world, not everyone can afford integrated pest management. That’s why we at Insectek donate a portion of our profits to Malaria No More (MNM), a nonprofit organization that aims to protect people from potentially deadly malaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?
Some of the best scents to ward off mosquitoes include peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, basil, clove, and eucalyptus. You likely own at least one of these in the form of an essential oil or store-bought herb. These can be sprinkled, diffused, and even planted in and around the home to deter mosquitoes from entering.
What keeps mosquitoes off you naturally?
As mentioned above, applying mist or dabs of essential oils like lemongrass or lavender onto your skin before leaving your home can help to keep mosquitoes away. Other store-bought repellants are effective as well when spending time outdoors and these come in a variety of forms including sprays, candles, and bracelets.
What are 3 common methods to control mosquitoes?
Extermination of Breeding Sites
Mosquitoes swarm to environments that are cool, dark, and damp in order to breed and grow their population. If your yard has spots like this, whether it be still water from a plastic wading pool or flooding in playground equipment, this can put you and your family at higher risk of being attacked.
Removing standing water, mowing the lawn, and trimming weeds and shrubbery minimize the attractiveness of the site to mosquitoes for potential breeding.
Personal Protection
Along with controlling the environment, you should always wear protective gear when spending time outside where mosquitoes are present. This includes bug spray, long sleeves, and additional protection such as repellant candles and bug nets. Safeguarding your skin is essential due to the risks of diseases mosquitoes can carry.
Integrated Pest Management
Scheduling regular pest control with a professional exterminator ensures that current problems are dealt with and preventative measures are put in place to prevent future infestations.
Greater Phoenix Area Pest Control Services
Pest Control and Removal Services
Our team works to protect Arizonan homes and businesses from daily nuisances to the most destructive pests, including:
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