Mosquito bites! Almost everyone has dealt with them at one point, and we all know just how frustrating these bites can be. They can leave you with itchy red marks that are almost impossible to avoid scratching. Still, while mosquito bites are annoying, mosquitoes in Southern California are more than just nuisance pests. They pose many health risks, so keeping them away from your yard is crucial. Find out how to get effective Southern California pest control to prevent and control mosquitoes.
What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes In Southern California?
As far as humans are concerned, mosquitoes are an obnoxious pest problem, and they don't have many positive attributes. But, as harmful as mosquitoes can be for us, they still play a role in the ecosystem. Mosquitoes in Southern California are pollinators. This means they consume nectar, and the males of the species don’t drink blood at all. Mosquitoes also play an essential role in the food chain as they are prey for many species like birds and bats.
However, mosquitoes can still be dangerous to have around your yard, so Southern California mosquito control services are often necessary to keep you and your family safe.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control
Given the diseases that mosquitoes can spread and the annoying itch bites they inflict, it’s probably not surprising that people have been trying to keep mosquitoes at bay for hundreds of years.
Years ago, people used kerosene to deter mosquitoes. Then, much more effective pesticides were developed, but many of these products contained harmful DDT. Presently, mosquito prevention and control treatments are much more effective and safer for the environment and people.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Can Transmit
While most people will have a mosquito bite here and there in their lives and never contract a disease, it’s still a good idea to be on the alert. Worldwide, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animal because they can transmit malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and more. While these illnesses are endemic in California, mosquito-borne diseases occasionally crop up.
Contact Excel Pest Management today to learn more about our home pest control options to keep yourself safe from mosquito bites.
Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard
The simplest and most effective way to prevent mosquitoes in Southern California is through professional treatment plans. Still, you can also follow a few measures to make your property less habitable for these pests. Here’s what to do:
- Focus on removing standing water as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. It would help if you also cleared gutters to ensure rainwater drains properly.
- Keep your yard trimmed and managed as mosquitoes like to rest in the shade of overgrown foliage.
- Make sure to keep hot tubs and pools cleaned and treated with the proper chemicals. Use cycled water and place covers on these water features if you can.
If you are already dealing with mosquitoes, give Excel Pest Management a call today for help. We can eradicate mosquito infestations in no time.