What Makes Mosquitoes So Dangerous?

Mosquitoes are relentless pests that can feed on blood both day and night. While the males consume nectar and don’t bite, blood plays a critical role in the female’s diet, drinking up to three times their body weight in blood per feeding.

Dangers with mosquito feedings include:

• Risks for vulnerable groups: Children (including unborn babies), the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk from infected mosquito bites.
• Impacts on animals: Mosquitoes can transmit parasites like heartworm to animals, which can be fatal for pets like dogs.
• Allergic reactions from bites: Mosquito bites lead to itchy, red welts. Scratching them can result in inflammation and secondary skin infections.
• Worldwide disease transmission: Mosquitoes can spread several deadly diseases, including:
  • Malaria
  • Dengue fever
  • West Nile virus
  • Yellow fever
  • Encephalitis
  • Elephantiasis
  • Zika virus

Some of these diseases have even had reported cases in the U.S. Protect your peace of mind with expert mosquito control services.

What You Need To Know About Mosquitoes

The Mosquito Lifecycle

Only female mosquitoes bite, using blood to produce eggs. After feeding, females rest for a few days before laying eggs in stagnant water—just a bottle cap’s worth will do. If temperatures drop below 50°F, females will hibernate, holding their eggs until the weather warms. When conditions are right, eggs hatch into larvae (or “wigglers”) after 24-48 hours, which live in water for 10-14 days before maturing.

Mosquito Habitats and What Attracts Them

Mosquitoes prefer warm areas with high humidity and standing water, making spring, summer and early fall the most active times for these pests. Additionally, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, heat, sweat and scents like perfumes. These triggers draw them to humans and animals, making your yard a prime target.

Learn more about common mosquito breeding grounds

How To Prevent Mosquitoes

Since mosquitoes only need small amounts of water to breed, controlling their population alone can be challenging. While repellents and natural methods like burning citronella candles can offer some relief, these solutions don't effectively manage the larger mosquito populations. DIY methods—like over-the-counter insecticides and traps —may reduce mosquito populations temporarily, but they may not effectively target the source of infestation.

Terminix Triad Can Help Control Mosquito Infestations

Terminix Triad offers custom solutions to help control mosquitoes from your home and yard—and keep them away. Here's how we do it:

1. Initial Inspection: We start with a detailed yard inspection to identify the most common mosquito breeding grounds.
2. Regular Treatments: We apply regular treatments throughout mosquito season on vegetation, sheltered surfaces and other mosquito hideouts.
3. Protection Barrier: This creates a mosquito barrier around your yard, killing them on contact and making your outdoor space more enjoyable and safe.

Don’t let mosquitoes take over—call 877-372-9696 or contact Terminix Triad to get a free estimate for your custom mosquito control plan.