If you feel like mosquitoes and Houston summers go together like peanut butter and jelly, you’re not wrong. In fact, Houston is the 7th worst city in the country when it comes to mosquitoes. And with rain and rising temperatures on the horizon, the mosquito population will only increase.
But, because the Houston area is no stranger to these insects, there are several frequently-used and straightforward methods to reduce their population in your neighborhood. Continue reading to learn more about mosquitoes in general and how to tackle your mosquito problem.
Also read: Houston Ranks High for Cities with Most Mosquitoes
Why You Want Mosquitoes Gone
The Houston area is home to around 56 different species, according to data from county officials in Houston. All species of mosquitoes bite, leaving behind irritating marks that are itchy and painful to touch. However, only female mosquitoes bite because they need the nutrition from blood to develop eggs.
Female mosquitoes are also the only ones who buzz, and these buzzing insects carry diseases, like malaria, encephalitis, and yellow fever. Last summer public health officials confirmed they trapped mosquitoes carrying West Nile in Harris County. They also pose a risk to your pet, transmitting heartworm which can infect and harm your dogs.
Also read: Do Mosquitoes Like You More?
Community Reduction Efforts
At Cypress Creek Pest Control, we offer a service for Home Owner Associations. It is a community-wide application done from a truck carrying a ULV Machine. ULV stands for Ultra Low Volume, also known as “cold fogging.” The process consists of pushing high pressure air mixed with the material through a head that shears the product into microscopic droplets. The amount is minimal and is relatively harmless to humans and other animals, but just enough to kill mosquitoes.
Residential Reduction Efforts
To eliminate mosquitoes already plaguing your home, we can install a mosquito misting system outside your home. This system will run on a timed scheduled to release treatments.
You can also request a fogging machine to be brought to your home to tackle the problem for your outdoor areas. A trained technician from Cypress Creek will fog your home every 21 days to keep the mosquito population down.
We also offer a specialized, stronger trap known as “In2Care” mosquito traps that target mosquito larvae and surrounding breeding sites to tackle the problem at the source.
After you’ve dealt with your mosquito issue, you may want to take specific prevention methods to keep them from returning. These include:
- Getting rid of any standing water. Because most female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, you’ll want to make sure you get rid of any of it on your property. Pour out any excess water in your garden pots, water bowls for your pets, or any items that may collect water. If you have a birdbath or fountain, change and clean the water frequently. If you have a pool, keep it well-maintained and balanced with the right chemicals.
- Switch your lightbulbs. Traditional, incandescent light bulbs attract mosquitoes. Instead, opt for a tinted LED bulb for any of your outdoor lighting.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing and use bug spray. Covering your skin will deter mosquitoes from biting you. But due to the summer heat, make sure it is light and loosely-fitting. If you can’t completely cover your skin through cover, be sure to spray yourself with mosquito repellent before leaving the house.
Also read: How To Mosquito-Proof Your Yard
No one wants mosquitoes near their house or in the neighborhood. These flying insects are known for spreading disease, and all around, being irritating. However, with these tips and reduction methods, your summer should be free of the bugs. If you genuinely want to ensure mosquitoes don’t interrupt your life, our professional services can do just that. Contact us today to learn about our mosquito control methods.
