Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that belong to the family Culicidae. They are known for their irritating bites and buzzing sounds. While they may seem like a nuisance, mosquitoes can also pose serious health risks as carriers of various diseases. In this blog post, we will discuss some important information about mosquitoes in Jacksonville and provide tips on how to keep them away.
What Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are tiny insects that thrive in warm and humid environments. They have long legs, a slender body, and two wings. Female mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain the necessary proteins for egg development, while male mosquitoes primarily feed on nectar. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk but can bite at any time of the day.
Diseases Carried by Mosquitoes
One of the primary concerns with mosquito bites is the potential transmission of diseases. Mosquitoes are known carriers of several harmful viruses and parasites such as:
- West Nile Virus: This virus can cause flu-like symptoms or even lead to severe neurological diseases.
- Zika Virus: Zika virus infection during pregnancy can result in birth defects such as microcephaly.
- Dengue Fever: Dengue fever causes high fever, severe joint pain, and in some cases, hemorrhagic fever.
- Malaria: Although not prevalent in Jacksonville, malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by certain species of mosquitoes.
Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes require water sources for breeding as their larvae develop in standing water. Adults will lay their eggs in standing water sources like stagnant ponds, bird baths, flower pots with collected rainwater, clogged gutters, or any other areas where water accumulates. It is essential to eliminate or treat these breeding sites to reduce mosquito populations around your home. By eliminating these stagnant water sources, homeowners can help reduce the number of these pesky insects when you are trying to enjoy an outdoor activity. These biting insects will hang out in the shadiest areas of your yard during the day, ready to attack when the temps cool down around dawn and dusk.
Active Seasons for Mosquitoes
Mosquito activity varies depending on the climate and location. In Jacksonville, mosquitoes are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring to fall. They thrive in the Florida temperatures that this region experiences during these seasons. However, it's important to note that mosquitoes can still be present during milder weather or even indoors. In Jacksonville Mosquitoes are a year-round concern. There will be less of them during the cooler daytime temperatures of cool season, but they never go away. This allows for them to reproduce quickly during the warm weather of the hot season, when daily highs reach about 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for Mosquito Control
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, here are some effective tips:
- Remove standing water: Regularly empty and clean any containers that hold water around your property. This includes flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, and pet bowls.
- Use mosquito repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin when spending time outdoors. DEET Spray is one of the most effective options, but there are many organic options on the market for those who would like to go that route.
- Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes when in mosquito-prone areas.
- Install screens: Make sure all windows and doors have properly fitted screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Avoid peak mosquito hours: Minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain your yard: Trim overgrown vegetation and regularly mow your lawn to reduce resting places for mosquitoes.
- Plant Citronella or Lemongrass: These plants are known to deter mosquitoes because of their strong scent.
Hire Professionals
Hiring a professional exterminator like All U Need Pest can be the quickest way to eliminate mosquitoes in Jacksonville. We will conduct a full inspection of the property, determine where the main sources of the mosquitoes are coming from and provide you with a solution to rid you of these bugs. Many of our solutions include a larvicide, adulticide and an insect growth regulator, so we attack them in all phases of their life cycle. All U Need Pest is a family owned business, and offers no obligations proposals, so give us a call today (904) 312-7594.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes can be a significant annoyance as well as carriers of dangerous diseases in Jacksonville. By understanding their behavior and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of mosquito bites and protect yourself from potential illnesses. Remember to eliminate breeding grounds around your property, use repellents when necessary, wear appropriate clothing, and take precautions during peak mosquito hours. If you find it challenging to control the mosquito population on your own, consider hiring a professional pest control service specialized in mosquito eradication.
Stay safe and enjoy a mosquito-free environment!