Mosquito Identification & Prevention

Mosquitoes are common flying insects that are especially problematic in the southern portion of the United States, where the weather is hot and humid.

These tiny flies have long, thin legs that dangle below them as they fly and create a low buzzing sound that alerts us to their presence. Mosquitoes have an elongated mouthpart called a proboscis they use to feed on liquids. Their tiny bodies are usually black, and some can have white markings on the body and legs. 

Female and male mosquitoes feed on nectar as their primary source of nutrition. It's the female mosquitoes that have given these pests their bad name as they also bite and feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including people.

Mosquitoes transmit disease-causing pathogens and parasites that make people and animals sick.

Malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, the West Nile virus, and St. Louis encephalitis are diseases that mosquitoes spread worldwide. While not every mosquito that bites you will transmit a disease, the threat is real, and reducing your contact with these pests, especially in your backyard, is essential. 

In Georgia and Southeast Florida, mosquitoes are well-known for infecting dogs and cats with parasitic heartworm. Heartworm disease is life-threatening, and protecting your pets with year-round heartworm prevention is important. 

Mosquitoes are prevalent outdoor pests that live most successfully when temperatures are hot and in places with plenty of standing water for the females to lay their eggs. Georgia and Florida provide mosquitoes with both things, making them places where these pests take over our outdoor spaces in large numbers. Mosquitoes develop from eggs to new biting adults in a mere seven to ten days. 

Partnering with a professional is the best way to avoid problems with mosquitoes.

Most species of mosquitoes are the most active at dawn or dusk when temperatures are cool. However, some aggressive species are active and bite throughout the day.

Mosquitoes swarm around breeding sites (areas of standing water). Atlanta and Southeast Florida properties with or near ponds, marshes, drainage ditches, wooded areas, and other places where standing water gathers have the most problems with these biting pests. 

However, any of our backyards can become a place mosquitoes call home. They will use the standing water in clogged gutters, containers, low-lying areas, overwater gardens, and piles of trash or other debris as breeding sites. 

During the day, many mosquitoes like to rest in cool shady areas. They take advantage of spaces under trees, decks, tall grass, and dense vegetation to rest. While trying to spend time in your yard, mosquitoes can suddenly swarm you if you disturb their resting spots. 

Get rid of mosquitoes from your Atlanta Metro or Southeast Florida property with the help of Squash A Bug Pest Control. Trust your mosquito control needs to our dedicated and experienced professionals. 

Through our Mrs. Mosquito Control Programs, we offer either one-time, seasonal, or annual mosquito treatments. Our treatments target where mosquitoes live and breed. 

For the best mosquito control in the Atlanta Metro or Southeast Florida area, reach out to us today. We want to stop mosquitoes from ruining the time you want to spend outside!

Use the following prevention tips to help keep mosquitoes from taking over your Georgia or Florida property.

• Maintain your yard. Mosquitoes love to rest in high grass and overgrown trees and shrubs.
• Repair areas in your driveway or yard that allow standing water to pool.
• Store containers that collect rainwater upside down when not in use.
• Properly maintain pools and other water features. Regularly empty and re-fill pet water bowls and birdbaths. 
• If possible, screen in outdoor eating and sitting areas.
• Use outdoor fans to prevent mosquitoes from reaching decks, porches, and patios.

Call today to learn more about our Mrs. Mosquito Control Programs!