Causes
-
Standing Water: Standing water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, and different species are drawn to specific water types. Depending on the region and type of mosquitoes, they will lay their larvae in floodwater, permanent or semi-permanent water, or containers filled with water.
-
Permanent Water Mosquitoes: These types of mosquitoes lay eggs in permanent or semi-permanent water sources, like ponds and lakes or in containers that hold water. These eggs hatch quickly, resulting in new mosquitoes joining the population daily.
-
Floodwater Mosquitoes: Floodwater mosquitoes lay eggs above water lines and are active in environments with temporary bodies of water like floodplains, irrigated fields, and tree holes. These eggs will dry out and only hatch when rainfall floods the area and submerges the eggs.
-
Lack of Proper Drainage: Improper drainage around a yard can lead to standing water. Broken sprinkler systems, leaking hoses, and clogged gutters create optimal conditions for mosquitoes.
-
Overgrown Vegetation: Tall grass, overgrown weeds, and dense vegetation provide cool, humid, and dark environments for mosquitoes to hide in.
-
Warm, Humid Climates: Regions with hot, humid summers are more likely to experience frequent mosquito infestations.
Mosquitoes reproduce rapidly, and as infestations grow, they pose a significant health risk to homeowners. If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional pest control company to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
Treatment
Hello Pest Control understands the risks of living with a mosquito infestation in Chappaqua / Millwood, NY. That’s why we’re committed to delivering safe, practical solutions to keep your property mosquito-free.
Here’s our process:
-
Inspection & Species Identification: Hello Pest Control technicians will identify the type of mosquito infesting your property and what's attracting them. This includes locating breeding sites, standing water sources, potential entry points into your home, and other environmental factors that may draw them in. With this information, we develop an effective, customized mosquito elimination plan.
-
Larviciding: Technicians will apply larvicides where mosquito larvae are laid in water sources and any other areas where larvae are present. This will kill the larvae and prevent them from growing into adults, ending the reproduction cycle.
-
Adult Mosquito Treatment: Insecticides will be carefully applied to thick vegetation, trees, shrubs, and other dense foliage. This approach targets adult mosquitoes where they rest and will deter new ones from settling in those spaces.
-
Barrier Treatments: Insecticide is applied around the perimeter of your property to create a barrier that repels and kills mosquitoes. These treatments are effective for several weeks. When combined with successful elimination methods and ongoing prevention methods, barrier treatments prevent the risk of reinfestation.
-
Ongoing Monitoring and Re-Treatment: Hello Pest Control technicians will follow up to ensure treatments are effective and mosquito populations remain under control. Additional treatments will be applied as needed to prevent re-infestation.
Prevention
Mosquitoes are dangerous pests that can transmit disease to people and animals. While homeowners can take steps to reduce the risk of an infestation, an active mosquito problem should always be addressed by a licensed pest control company.
Prevention measures property owners can implement include:
-
Eliminate Standing Water: Empty containers with standing water daily, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and kiddy pools. Also, regularly inspect hoses and spigots to ensure they aren’t leaking and creating puddles that can attract mosquitoes to your yard.
-
Maintain Landscaping: Trim overgrown vegetation and grass around your yard to reduce shaded areas where mosquitoes like to be.
-
Install Screens: To prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, fix any holes or gaps or install new screens on windows and doors.
-
Use Repellant: Even without an active infestation, mosquitoes are a common nuisance during the summer months, especially when you're camping, hiking, or spending time outdoors. Applying a repellent containing DEET or picaridin can keep mosquitoes from landing on you or biting you.