What Are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes in your Van Nuys yard are an insect that nobody should tolerate, not even for ten minutes. These pests swarm in large numbers, and the females bite us to consume blood meals, leaving behind itchy, unsightly welts.

A mosquito’s appearance will vary by species, but all have similar characteristics. Mosquitoes have thin black bodies, wings that are the length of their body, a proboscis (and elongated piercing mouthpart), and six long skinny legs. The mosquito’s wings create a buzzing sound that often causes you to hear them before seeing them.

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Mosquitoes don’t just bite us; they can transmit serious diseases to people and animals during the feeding process.

Some of the most dangerous diseases mosquitoes spread worldwide include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and Zika. Though not every mosquito you run into carries a disease, many do, so it is best practice to reduce the contact you and your family have with these pests. Mosquitoes also transmit parasitic heartworms to our pets, which can be fatal without the proper treatment.

Why Do I Have a Mosquito Problem?

Mosquitoes are a problem wherever there are breeding sights. Females lay their eggs on top of areas of standing water or in dry areas that are prone to flooding. If your yard has breeding sites or is near their preferred breeding sites, mosquitoes will take advantage.

Mosquitoes are weak flyers but can fly distances searching for food or breeding sites; however, most stay close to where they hatch. Therefore the more standing water there is on your property, the more mosquitoes there will be.

Where Will I Find Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are most active in our area from May through September, when temperatures are warmest, providing them with plenty of food sources and vegetation to rest on. These mosquitoes are aggressive.

When mosquitoes want to rest, they do so in dark, damp areas like under trees, woodpiles, rock crevices, and in areas of tall grass or dense vegetation. Any standing or stagnant water sites in our yards, from water on the top of a trash can to an empty flower pot to a wading pool, can provide these insects with enough water to lay their eggs.

How Do I Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

The best way to control mosquito numbers and take your yard back from these biting, flying pests is to partner with a professional. At A Step Above Pest Control & Termite, we are committed to our customers and providing them with quality home pest control and commercial pest control services in Los Angeles. Our professionals will treat your yard for mosquitoes and help you discover mosquito attractants on your property.

Call our mosquito professionals today to learn more about implementing regular mosquito treatments to reduce their presence and protect your family and friends from their bites, or discover more pest control services in Los Angeles.

How Can I Prevent Mosquitoes in the Future?

Avoid having large populations of mosquitoes calling your Los Angeles yard home with the following prevention tips.

• Remove as much standing water from your property as possible.
• Repair leaky pipes and hoses that cause water to pool near your home.
• Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and trees to take away a mosquito’s favorite resting spots: areas of shade that provide them respite from the sun.
• Keep your lawn cut short.
• If you own a pool, make sure that it is properly maintained.
• Regularly change out water from pet water dishes, wading pools, and birdbaths.
• Use fans around outdoor eating or sitting areas to prevent these weak flyers from reaching you.