What Are The Best Mosquito Treatments?

Although humans have had thousands of years to figure out methods to repel mosquitoes, they still plague us. We know they’ve been at it for at least 46 million years since scientists found a mosquito whose belly was full of human blood from that era. Yet to this day, the blood-sucking insects still can’t get enough of us, and we can’t seem to escape them without a lot of time, effort, and focus by professional pest control technicians.

Many methods have been marketed over the years as things that will keep mosquitoes away from you. Unfortunately, few of them work. One of the most popular forms is the citronella candle, which claims to work by releasing a mosquito-repelling scent as the wax burns down. Sprays with lemon eucalyptus scents claim to have the same effect, but researchers found them almost useless. Scientists found that even the heavy-duty insect-repellent DEET only worked about 60% of the time.

Certain things can make it more likely for mosquitoes to crowd your group and bite as often as possible. They’re attracted to the carbon dioxide humans release as we breathe. However, the scent of our skin also draws them in. A type of acid found in sebum, the oil our skin produces, is also a major attractant. Certain perfumes, deodorants, soaps, and lotions can be appealing to them, though you won’t be safe by forgoing hygiene since smelly socks and sweaty skin calls to them as well. Sometimes your diet may play a role, too; eating cheeses and drinking beer are attractants. Even your blood type impacts how you smell to them.

The hematophagous (blood-eating) creatures leave itchy red welts behind when they bite, which can turn into open sores as people scratch them. Although we rarely consider them any more than annoying pests, insects are a major health risk. Bill Gates has called them the most lethal animal on earth.  They spread viruses, some of which don’t have medications to help with treatment.

The CDC says mosquitoes are spreading major viruses more frequently, with epidemics like Zika, chikungunya, and dengue breaking out in recent years. Eastern Equine Encephalitis claimed 11 lives in the U.S. in 2019 alone. What makes them so difficult to fight is that we are all vulnerable. Historians even credit them for being Alexander the Great’s final defeat, and they may have taken out Genghis Khan as well. Mosquitoes are still claiming lives in modern history as well. The West Nile virus killed actor Clark Middleton in 2020.

Even though citronella candles and insect repellents don’t do the job we’d hope for, you can reduce mosquitoes on your property. Getting rid of stagnant water is a must. They only need about a quarter inch of standing water to lay their eggs, and they can deposit hundreds at a time. That means you’ll have hordes of them swarming your yard after just a few days. Flowerpots, open trash cans, tarps, and kids’ toys are common culprits for water buildup. Wearing long sleeves if you’re sitting outside or turning on an outdoor fan makes it harder for the bugs to land on you, but those options aren’t always comfortable or even possible. The better plan for warding off mosquitoes is to contract with a pest control professional for regular property treatment. The type of treatment can vary depending on the season since mosquitoes are typically not quite as active during the winter months. 

Having a year-round plan is best, but there are certain months when you’re more likely to notice the big difference that a pest control plan makes. The insects’ eggs survive through the winter, even sitting in freezing water, and hatch when temperatures reach about 50 degrees. That means you’ll start seeing the blood-sucking creatures emerge in the spring, and you should plan accordingly by having mosquito treatment before then. You’ll want further treatments as the weather warms and summer approaches to protect your property during the peak mosquito season.

If you have a mosquito problem or are hoping to avoid one, make sure At Ease Pest Solutions is on your contact list. Our company is unique in several ways. We’re a local company owned and operated by a veteran of the U.S. military. We’re also committed to exceeding our customer’s expectations. Because of that commitment, we stay on top of the latest technology and pest control methods to take care of pests most effectively. Contact us today for more information on our pest control services.