Why Mosquitoes Keep Coming Back to Your Boise Home

Mosquitoes, like many flying insects, are a nuisance pest. They seem to be everywhere, constantly swarming around your head, but are impossible to get rid of. They hang around your yard and porch, making it difficult to enjoy time outside. Here is everything you need to know about mosquitoes, and how to keep them away from your house. 

What are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are fly-like, parasitic insects. Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals to produce healthy eggs. However, plant nectar is the primary food source for both male and female mosquitoes. They have a slender body, long legs, narrow wings, and an extended, tube-like mouthpart (proboscis) they use for feeding on blood and plant nectar. Many species of mosquitoes live in our area of Idaho. 

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Mosquitoes are most certainly a dangerous pest, posing significant health risks to people and animals. In fact, mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous insects in the world because of the significant diseases they spread. They are responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever in developing and tropical countries.

In the United States, the Asian tiger mosquito can spread the West Nile virus and encephalitis. Over the past decade there have been confirmed transmission here in the Boise area and even deaths related to it. The Aedes aegypti spreads illnesses such as the Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue. Also, mosquitoes transmit potentially fatal parasitic heartworm to dogs. Along with the diseases they spread, their bites are extremely itchy, and excess itching may lead to secondary infections.

Where Will I Find Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes rest in tall grasses, in areas of dense vegetation, along fence lines, under trees, behind tree bark, and under decks and porches. Things like ponds, flower gardens, or flowering trees attract mosquitoes. Container breeding mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti are drawn to standing water in things like buckets, old tires, wheelbarrows, trash cans, flower pots, and any other container that collects water. While they don’t often move indoors purposely, they do sometimes make their way inside while searching for food, coming in through torn screens and open windows and doors.

Most of all, areas of sitting water attract mosquitoes. You will find them near buckets of water and in your yard or near ponds. It is especially important that you don’t overwater your grass, which will lead to more pest issues, including mosquitoes.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Certain types of people are more likely to complain of mosquito bites: pregnant women, those who have been drinking, and those with type-O blood are irresistible to these dangerous blood-sucking pests. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the risks of a mosquito bite. The diseases caused by mosquitoes include dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and the Zika virus. One of the most common species in Boise, the Aedes Aegypti, is also capable of transmitting the West Nile virus.

The best way to keep mosquitoes away, even if you’re not one of these attractive options, is by being prepared before you go outside. To keep yourself safe from bites, practice these prevention methods:

• Treat the outside of your clothing with picaridin insect repellent, being sure not to spray it on the face or ingest it.
• Wear light-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks that cover your ankles.
• Avoid wearing a lot of perfume or strongly-scented products.
• Wash your clothes with a gently-scented detergent before going out
• Avoid going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

While these techniques should keep you safe on a hike, keeping your property mosquito-free is a little more complex. If you’re looking for natural ways to repel mosquitoes, there are plenty of options available.

How do I get rid of Mosquitoes?

Locally owned and family-operated, Averse Pest Control is the best choice to get rid of mosquitoes from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide seasonal mosquito control services using the latest and most effective products to reduce mosquito numbers on your Boise area property. Discover why your neighbors choose Averse Pest Control for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I Prevent Mosquitoes in the Future?

Prevent problems with mosquitoes by partnering with Averse Pest Control and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Repair any torn window and door screens.
• Store all containers that collect water upside down.
• Fix low-lying areas on your property that collect rainwater.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling in and around them.
• Keep the grass on your property cut short.
• Remove overgrown vegetation from the outside of your home.
• Outdoor lighting attracts mosquitoes. Switch out white outdoor lights for yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to mosquitoes and other insects.