Learn More About Mosquitoes in New York and Massachusetts
Mosquitoes have existed for hundreds of millions of years. Out of approximately 2,700 species worldwide, around 176 are prevalent in the United States.
Mosquitoes average anywhere from 1/10 inch to 2 inches in size. They have narrow bodies, straw-like mouths, and hairy wings. Additionally, they produce a characteristic buzzing sound that warns you of their presence.
This moisture-loving insect can breed in areas with as little as 1 teaspoon of water, making it challenging to control potential breeding grounds around homes and businesses. Adult females lay eggs on the surface of standing water, where they develop within seven to 30 days.
Mosquito larvae, called wrigglers in a nod to their twisting movements, tend to remain near moisture rich areas to find hosts to feed on.
When mosquitoes get hungry, both males and females will feed on plant nectar. Females will also feed on blood from human and animal hosts. Blood provides the nutrients needed to produce eggs.
These flying insects may be most buzz-worthy for their itchy bites, but there’s more to mosquitoes than their ability to put a damper on outdoor fun. For example, they can drink up to their own bodyweight in blood during a single meal and are more active during the full moon.
Mosquito Info and Fun Facts
- The average weight of mosquitoes is only 2.5 milligrams.
- These biting insects can fly at speeds of up to 1.5 miles per hour.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, lactic acid, darker clothing, and body odor.
- Some mosquitoes lay up to 100 eggs at a time, with those eggs maturing within 10 days.
- Mosquito activity tends to be lowest during the peak temperatures of afternoon.
- These critters may play an important role in the ecosystem as food for other insects, fish, frogs, and salamanders.
Mosquito Bites
Female mosquitoes’ saliva contains a chemical that prevents blood from clotting. This chemical also creates an allergic reaction in the host, causing itchy bumps.
Most animals and humans scratch at the bites to relieve the sensation but doing so can increase inflammation and risk breaking the skin, which could potentially lead to an infection. Some methods to soothe itchy bites include applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Applying a cold pack to the area can also help calm the itchiness.
Diseases Caused By Mosquitoes
When you think of mosquito bites, the red, swollen, itchy bumps left behind likely come to mind, but these pests do more than just create discomfort. Mosquitoes spread multiple diseases to animals and humans, including dengue, malaria, and West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. Although every bite won’t necessarily produce illnesses, there is a risk. That’s why prevention is so essential.
Benefits of Professional Mosquito Control in New York and Massachusetts
Wearing bug spray, using essential oils like cinnamon and citronella, and other preventive measures only go so far. The professionals at USX Pest have the experience and expertise needed to determine where mosquitoes are breeding nearby and how to best eliminate them.
Our organic mosquito control program utilizes environmentally friendly products that are safe for the ecosystem, people, and pets to get control of these pesky bugs. We start the process with an in-depth inspection followed by monthly treatments and a plan for prevention in the future.
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Take control of your outdoor spaces to enhance enjoyment and safety. Contact us today online or by calling 855-761-1550.