When you need The Woodlands TX mosquito control, then contact Texan Mosquito Systems. The Greater Houston Area is battered by the mosquito populations every year. In fact, Terminix ranked Houston as the third most mosquito-infected city in the United States. For that reason, it is important to obtain mosquito control services.
Mosquitos go through a unique life cycle that makes Houston a perfect place for their blood-sucking activities. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and frequent flooding gives mosquitos the perfect place to reproduce. Mosquitos are dangerous insects because they can carry a variety of viruses such as the West Nile virus.
Of course, you can prevent the contraction of such diseases by installing a misting system into your home. Here at Texan Mosquito Systems, we install effective and easily operable equipment into your yard. We even show you how to use it before leaving. Plus, we will routinely return to inspect the system.
These steps are vital because they help prevent your family cookouts and parties from being raided by mosquitos. The last thing you want is you and your guests getting eaten alive by these pests. Install a mosquito misting system to eliminate their presence. You can also take steps yourself to ensure your backyard is not inviting mosquitos.
Mosquito Life Cycle
As aforementioned, the mosquito life cycle is unique because it requires water for the entire process. Mosquitos only need a half-inch of water to lay eggs. For that reason, eliminating standing water in your backyard is one of the most important steps you can take to remove their presence.
The mosquito life starts with an adult female laying raft-like eggs on the surface of the water. The eggs are stuck together like the wood of a raft. The eggs float on the surface until they begin to hatch into larvae. Typically, the eggs hatch within 48 hours of being laid. Moreover, eggs can withstand subzero winter before hatching.
Once out of the eggs, the larvae begin feeding on the microorganisms and organic matter within the water. Larvae are unable to breathe underneath the water, so they frequently come up for air. During this phase, larvae feed and molt. Molting is the process of shedding an outer layer to make room for a new layer. This process increases their size and occurs about four times. Once the fourth occurs, they enter the pupa stage.
The pupa stage is a resting stage where there is no feeding. However, pupae are mobile. They can respond to changes in light or move to protective areas. Pupae are slowly changing into mosquito adults. This process is similar to metamorphosis in butterflies. Depending on the species, this process can take about two days. Once the mosquitos are developed, they break through the pupae skin.
Finally, the mosquito adult rests on the pupae to dry off and complete the hardening of their body. Once complete, females will start blood-sucking and mating in a few days. Males will also mate around the same time but only feed on flower nectar.
The Dangers of Mosquitos
Mosquito-borne diseases are serious conditions that can greatly impact a person’s health. There are numerous diseases that can be transmitted by a single mosquito bite. Below, you can see just a few common diseases spread by mosquitos:
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Yellow Fever
- Chikungunya
- Zika Virus
The few diseases listed above are only a sample of what mosquitos can transmit. You may think your likelihood of contracting one of these diseases is low, but millions are affected by each condition every year. For example, malaria is one of the deadliest diseases on the list as it killed more than 400,000 people in 2018. Fortunately, there are many effective steps you can take to reduce the presence of mosquitos in your backyard.
Eliminating Mosquitos in Your Backyard
Your backyard should be an oasis for you to escape to when you need it. The last thing you want is your oasis to be festering with mosquitos. Well, there are a few actions you can take to reduce their presence.
Remove Standing Water
Again, water is required for mosquitos to reproduce, which is why you should remove any standing water from your backyard. Often times, backyards have buckets, tires, birdbaths, clogged gutters, fountains, and more. Eliminate these areas in which water can stand. Clean your gutters, remove junk such as tires or buckets, and pour out your birdbath weekly. Of course, not all sources of water in your backyard can be removed. There is a way you can handle those.
Treat Standing Water
If you have water that cannot be removed like ponds, fountains, or pools, treat them. There are several different products you can purchase to eliminate larvae and pupae from water. Mosquito Dunks are a popular product many look to. This method is completely natural and does not harm other animals or organic life. So, throw it into your birdbath, coy pond, or lake. These can be used monthly and eliminates the presence of mosquitos. If you own a pool, then ensure the filter and chlorine system is working properly.
Cut Tall Grass and Weeds
Overgrown weeds and tall grass are favorite places for mosquitos to rest during the day. Cut your grass down to at least 5 inches in order to keep mosquitos away. If you want to keep the tall grass, then implement the human activity in the area like a playset. This will help keep the mosquitos away and unable to rest.
The Woodlands TX Mosquito Control
The final step you can take to eliminate the mosquito presence in your backyard is to install a misting system. Misting systems are effective against mosquitos, especially when they are sprayed during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are the most active.
So, contact Texas Mosquito Systems today by calling (713) 766-1090. Our team of technicians works closely with you, so you understand your system. Plus, we will help you maintain and repair it if necessary. So, reach out to our team when you need The Woodlands TX mosquito control.
Fun Facts about The Woodlands
- The first high school opened in 1976!
- There are almost 150 parks in The Woodlands area!
- Go see a concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion!
- Find more facts about The Woodlands here.