Mosquitoes are small but annoying insects. These bugs can really cause a ruckus and ruin any outdoor event. If you are hosting an outdoor event in the summer, you really need to do your part to prevent a mosquito problem and mosquito bites by controlling mosquitoes from coming around in the first place.
Mosquito bites are annoying and can also be dangerous. These insects can transmit deadly diseases and also cause infections from constant scratching.
In the summer, you want to enjoy BBQs and pool parties, but that can be hard to do when you and your guests are fleeing from swarms of mosquitoes in Pelham, AL. Take back your lawn and get peace of mind. Magic City Pest Control in Pelham, AL can help relieve your stress so you can focus on more important things.
Contact Magic City Pest Control at 205-984-3250 for mosquito control in Pelham, AL today.
What Attracts Mosquitoes in Pelham, AL?
Knowing the proper prevention of mosquitoes to your property is crucial. Mosquitoes are drawn to certain people and animals based on the following factors:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2). Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide, which humans and animals exhale. They can detect CO2 from a significant distance and use it to hone in on potential hosts.
- Sweat and body odor. Mosquitoes are attracted to specific compounds found in human sweat and body odor. Lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other substances emitted from the skin can lure mosquitoes. The composition of a person’s sweat can make them more attractive to mosquitoes.
- Heat and water vapor. Mosquitoes are drawn to heat and humidity. The warmth of the human body and the moisture from perspiration can attract mosquitoes.
- Skin bacteria. The bacteria on a person’s skin can also play a role. Certain types of bacteria produce odors that mosquitoes find appealing. People with a higher concentration of certain skin bacteria may attract more mosquitoes.
- Blood type. Some studies suggest that people with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with other blood types. This could be due to the chemical composition of the skin or other factors related to blood chemistry.
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to attract more mosquitoes. This is likely due to the increased amount of carbon dioxide they exhale and their higher body temperatures.
- Dark clothing. Mosquitoes are visually attracted to dark colors. Wearing dark clothing can make you more noticeable to mosquitoes.
- Movement. Movement can attract mosquitoes as it helps them zero in on a target. The visual aspect of movement makes it easier for mosquitoes to identify a potential host.
- Perfumes and scents. Certain perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions can attract mosquitoes. Fragrances that mimic floral or fruity smells are particularly appealing.
- Standing water. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water because it is crucial for breeding. Areas with standing water are likely to have higher mosquito populations, increasing the chances of bites.
Dangers of Mosquito Bites
Here are some of the dangers associated with mosquitoes:
- Malaria. Caused by Plasmodium parasites, malaria can lead to severe illness and death.
- Dengue fever. Aedes mosquitoes transmit dengue virus, causing high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash.
- Zika virus. Also spread by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika can cause birth defects such as microcephaly if contracted by pregnant women.
- West Nile virus. Culex mosquitoes transmit this virus, which can lead to neurological diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis.
- Chikungunya. This virus causes fever and severe joint pain, often debilitating for extended periods.
- Yellow fever. This virus causes fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.
- Allergic reactions. Mosquito bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling at the bite site. Some people may experience a more severe allergic reaction known as Skeeter syndrome, characterized by significant swelling, redness, and soreness.
- Animal diseases: Mosquitoes also transmit diseases to animals, such as heartworm in dogs and eastern equine encephalitis in horses, which can be fatal if untreated.
Where to Find Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are commonly found in areas that provide suitable environments for their breeding, feeding, and resting. Here are some specific places where you are likely to find mosquitoes:
- Breeding sites. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Common sources include birdbaths, flower pots, buckets, old tires, and other containers that can hold water. Natural areas with abundant standing water such as ponds, lakes, and marshes are also prime breeding grounds.
- Feeding areas. Mosquitoes are attracted to areas where they can find blood meals. These areas often include human habitations, especially near windows and doors. Animal pens, livestock areas, parks, and campgrounds are other common feeding areas.
- Resting places. During the day, mosquitoes often rest in cool, shaded areas such as tall grass, weeds, shrubs, bushes, and tree canopies. Mosquitoes can also be found resting indoors, particularly in dark, humid places like basements, a drain, and closets as well as under furniture and behind curtains.
How We Can Help The Pelham Community and City Services
You’re probably using sprays, pesticides/chemicals, candles, and other DIY solutions to get rid of mosquitoes both outdoors and indoors in Pelham, AL. However, these remedies just aren’t powerful enough to wipe out mosquitoes for long. If you want a powerful solution that lasts, we’ve got you covered. The team at Magic City Pest Control in Pelham, AL can help with mosquito control.
Our professionals will come to your home and look for sources of standing water. We will then remove them so mosquitoes can’t lay their eggs and breed. Next, we’ll use the treatment of your choice to get rid of mosquitoes for good.
We offer the following mosquito treatments:
- Barrier mosquito control. We will treat your yard with a pyrethrin-based solution that wards off mosquitoes for almost three weeks. This spray bonds to plants and kills mosquitoes even after it’s dry, which takes about 30 minutes.
- Special event sprays. If you’re planning an outdoor event for family and friends in the summer, you’re risking mosquitoes. We offer one-time spray services to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent them from putting a damper on your special day.
- Natural mosquito control. We offer natural mosquito repellents that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. Our repellents include solutions made with scents such as garlic, rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass — all scents that mosquitoes hate. This solution lasts for up to three weeks.
Contact Our Pelham Mosquito Control Experts Today
Mosquitoes are annoying and dangerous pests. Enjoy your yard again with help from Magic City Pest Control and schedule us for a mosquito job today. We use the most effective products to solve your pest problems. Don’t wait. Call (205) 880-4466 to schedule an appointment for mosquito control in Pelham, AL today.