It’s the beginning of mosquito season and time to start treatments to prevent populations from getting heavy and ruining your outdoor enjoyment. Terminix Service, Inc. provides a safe, comprehensive mosquito management program that targets the adult mosquitoes and their larvae. We also provide information on mosquitoes and ways to help further prevent the chances of getting bitten. Below are some answers to our most frequently asked questions about mosquitoes:
- What do we need to know about Zika in the US?
The mosquito species capable of spreading Zika are common in the southeastern states. This includes the Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). There have been several cases of Zika reported in the U.S. but so far these cases involved the person traveling overseas. For the most up-to-date information on Zika, visit the Center for Disease Control website.
- What is the mosquito life cycle?
Adult female mosquitoes lay eggs in or near stagnate water, or in low-lying areas that may eventually flood. The larvae (called “wrigglers” because they are the little wriggly things you see in small pools of water) hatch and develop underwater. They feed on organic material in the water and eventually pupate (go into the pupa stage). The pupae are sometimes called “tumblers” because they tumble around just under the surface of the water. The adult mosquitoes develop inside the pupae and emerge on the surface of the water and fly away but stay close to the breeding sites. This whole process can take less than a week to complete. Adult males and females mainly feed on nectar from flowers, but females need to obtain a blood meal to produce her eggs.
- How are mosquito bites different for a human vs. other animals like pets?
Although some animals have thick fur and hair, mosquitoes still can bite them in areas that are not protected by hair, such as the nose, ears, stomach and other areas. And similar to you, your cat or dog also finds mosquito bites very itchy and the bitten area may swell and get an infection if it is constantly scratched and not treated properly. Mosquitoes can also transmit dog heartworm. Consult your veterinarian for ways to treat mosquito bites on your pets and for medication to prevent contracting heartworm.