What You Need To Know About Mosquito Control In Havertown & The Philadelphia Region

Mosquitoes are flying creatures found in most of the world except areas with arctic conditions. Female mosquitoes deposit eggs in pools of standing water, often in multiples that form “raft-like” clusters or groups. In residential areas, mosquitoes might place their eggs in birdbaths, flowerpots, old tires, or tarps holding water.

Across the U.S., most counties or other local agencies employ some form of mosquito abatement program that reduces the population to some extent. Here in Delaware County, a Mosquito-Borne Disease Control program exists.

Mosquitoes ranges in size from approximately 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long, have six legs and generally appear in colors such as grey or black. Female mosquitos will land on a human’s skin and use a specialized mouthpart (proboscis) to penetrate the skin and extract blood. The mosquito’s saliva typically creates a numbing effect on the host and may contain harmful pathogens.

Among the most harmful mosquito-borne problems are the West Nile virus, malaria, the Zika virus, and other health-related concerns.

Is your property filled with mosquitoes? Today, licensed pest controllers have treatment options that are safe and effective against mosquitoes. A well-trained and properly equipped team of pest control professionals will substantially reduce the population of these unwanted pests for you and your family.

Mosquitoes Are Much Needed To Maintain Our Eco-System

Are mosquitoes useful creatures? All mosquitoes consume nectar derived from flowers and assist with pollination like bees. Mosquitoes also are an important part of the food chain for many hungry creatures.

What insects eat mosquitoes? Some of the most common creatures that consume mosquitoes include bats, birds, and spiders. Many forms of aquatic animals such as bluegill and catfish also eat mosquito larvae.

The History Of Mosquito Control

Historians suggest that mosquitoes originated in Western Africa and likely traveled to the U.S. on transatlantic vessels. Upon arrival, mosquitoes spread yellow fever and other diseases throughout North America. During the 1940s, newly-developed insecticides emerged that significantly eliminated the population of mosquitoes, along with bed bugs and other pests.

Decades later, regulators determined that D.D.T. and many of these other effective products harmed the environment and stopped using them.

In recent decades, the Aedes aegypti species remerged and is among the most common types that live near humans.

How are mosquitoes born? Mosquitoes develop through the following phases or steps, a cycle that typically lasts from 8 to 10 days:

• Female mosquitoes create eggs that they place on the surface of fresh water.
• The eggs open within a day or two, and larvae emerge and remain in the water.
• The developing creature next enters a phase as pupae and requires no food.
• Adulthood begins as the body hardens and wings develop.

In many cases, mosquito eggs will rest on soil amid dry conditions for several months in a “dormant” state and survive while awaiting an influx of water.

How many species of mosquitoes are there? An estimated 3,000 mosquito species exist worldwide, with at least 170 found in North America.

Why Do Mosquitoes Need Blood To Live?

Only female mosquitoes consume blood, which supplies ample protein for egg development. Newer studies suggest that mosquitoes may also consume more blood when dehydrated from the absence of water.

What blood type do mosquitoes like? Many experts believe that mosquitoes prefer type O blood.

Everything You Should Know About Mosquito Control

Did you know that Cunningham Pest Control is a full-service provider of residential, commercial, and industrial solutions? Residents in Havertown & the Philadelphia region can also contact our team to treat fleas, rodents, termites, and many other bothersome pests. Contact us today regarding an onsite property inspection and estimate.