Natural Mosquito Control in Virginia
Natural mosquito treatments address all possible breeding and resting sites in order to kill mosquitos at multiple stages of their development. However, reducing standing water on the property is an important step a homeowner take to help ensure a successful treatment program. Mosquitos need water to have viable offspring.
There are more than fifty species of standing water mosquitos and flood water mosquitos in Virginia. Adult male mosquitos have modified mouthparts to suck nectar and plant secretions, but most adult female mosquitos have piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on a variety of warm-blooded animals.
Mosquitos thrive in damp environments, but can do well in droughts too. During a drought, receding water can create pools of water with trapped organic debris that is perfect for feeding mosquito larvae. Even if the area is dry, mosquitos seem to know where to deposit their eggs for future survival.
Depending on the species, adult female mosquitos will either die off or go into a hibernation state when the temperature is consistently below 50°F. Those that survive will emerge after a few warm days. Mosquito eggs can survive well below freezing and can lay dormant for years, and will hatch with rain and warmer temperatures.
Mosquito treatments help maintain control of the mosquito population regardless of the fluctuation in temperature, through every season.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
West Nile Virus
Dengue Fever
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Malaria
Saint Louis Encephalitis
Zika Virus
Tips to Reduce Mosquitos & Mosquito Bites
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Keep lawn areas maintained and foliage trimmed back to allow for more sunlight and increased airflow.
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Reduce or eliminate items with standing water outdoors such as containers, old tires, tarps and furniture covers, and any other item that holds water.
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Keep house gutters clean and downspouts unclogged.
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Grade soil to allow for better water runoff, and fill sunken areas with soil to prevent standing water.
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Keep swimming pools treated and provide good water circulation.
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Empty water from birdbaths and potted plant trays weekly if they're not treated regularly with larvicide.
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Wear long sleeve shirts and pants if weather permits.
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Wear bright-colored clothing.
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Apply natural insect repellants to exposed skin when outdoors.
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Hire Essential Pest for natural mosquito control services.
Did You Know?
Mosquitos are equipped with complex features that aid in locating their prey. The first is an odorant receptor, which can detect alcohols and aldehydes that are excreted from our bodies and are found in perfumes, detergents, and other products with fragrances. The second is an ionotropic receptor, which can detect acids and amines that are found in our sweat and digestive gases. The third is a gustatory receptor, which can detect CO2 from our breath. Other sensory organs help mosquitos find a meal by detecting humidity and heat. As if that's not impressive enough, their eyesight allows them to see shapes, shades, and movement from more than 150 feet away.
Since there is less wind after sundown, a bright moonlit night is all that is needed to create the perfect scenario for a midnight mosquito feeding frenzy!