Tag Archives: mosquitoes

a swarm of mosquitoes outdoors at sunset

Nature’s Buzzkill: Surviving Mosquito Season

There is much to love about Florida. Sunny days, gorgeous beaches, and blue water are all conducive to outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Unfortunately, this also exposes you to one of nature's most annoying pests, the mosquito.  Due to the warm, wet weather, mosquitoes can be found nearly year-round in [city]. However, the “Official Mosquito Season” is also the rainy season running from June to October. They thrive during this time of year and are most active during dusk and dawn when out searching for food.  Females need the protein from blood to produce eggs and they’re relentless in the search for a source. These bites can cause more than just itchy welts. Mosquitoes can pass on dangerous diseases to humans and pets. Such as the Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Virus, as well as heartworms in dogs and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses. 

Mosquito Facts 

  • They have been around for over 100 million years. 
  • There are over 2700 species of which 176 species live in the US.
  • Only females bite, they need protein from blood to produce eggs.
  • Females lay 100 - 300 eggs at a time which over a lifetime equals 1,000 to 3,000.
  • Mosquitoes go from egg to biting adults in 4-7 days. 
  • They are attracted by infrared radiation (warm bodies) and by chemical signals we give off such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. 
  • Mosquitoes find you by sight and are attracted by your movements.
  • A few types of mosquitoes will only fly a few yards from where they hatched to feed. More typically adults will fly a mile or two.

Protecting Your Home and Family 

Mosquitoes are attracted to standing, stagnant water as these are prime nursery locations. Non-circulating water acts as an incubator for their eggs. It only takes a small amount of water to host their eggs. If you have ponds, aerate the water. Change the water in horse troughs often.  Fill in any low-lying areas in your yard so water doesn’t pool. Turn buckets and other containers upside down. Change bird bath water weekly. Keep your swimming pool clean. Repair any leaking faucets. Clean debris from rain gutters. Drill holes in tire swings. Check window screens for holes and repair them if needed.  Put a cover on your boats. Check tarps for folds or low spots where water can accumulate. Remove old tires or drill holes in them. Cover trash cans, or drill holes in bottoms for water to drain.  Keep your yard and landscaping maintained. Mosquitoes not only love water, but they too enjoy the shade on a hot day. Keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed. Be sure to remove any piles of dead plant material and eliminate overgrown weedy areas. This removes any shady spots adult mosquitoes love to hide in. Check around your property up to 100 yards out for the above issues. Remember it only takes a small amount of standing water to incubate eggs.  Hiding away indoors is impractical, so when outdoors, you could try wearing loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and pants. Some studies have shown mosquitoes are attracted by dark colors such as black, red, aqua, and orange. 

Mosquito Control Experts

At , our comprehensive pest control services help keep insects away from your home in the spring and all year round. If you’re not able to enjoy your outdoor space because of mosquitoes, we can help. With over 65 years of experience, has the experience to provide quality pest control. Want to know more? Contact us today for a free quote!
A swarm of bees on honeycomb in FL.

Insects Swarm When the Weather Gets Warm

When the weather warms up in springtime in Florida, it's glorious. Unfortunately, many insect pests start to emerge from their hiding places to take advantage of the favorable conditions.  Here are some of the insect pests that tend to swarm in the spring and how you can avoid them:

Bees

Bees are essential pollinators and play a critical role in our ecosystem. However, they can be a nuisance if they start to swarm around your home or garden. Bees typically swarm in the spring to find a new home and establish a new colony. To avoid bee swarms, make sure you keep your trash cans tightly sealed and clean up any food or drink spills immediately. Bees are attracted to sweet smells and flavors, so avoid wearing perfume or scented lotions if you are going to spend time outdoors. If you do encounter a swarm of bees, stay calm and avoid swatting at them, as this will only make them more agitated. Instead, slowly back away and seek shelter indoors.

Wasps

Wasps are another type of stinging insect that can swarm in the spring. They are attracted to sweet smells and are more aggressive than bees, so it's important to be cautious around them. Wasps build nests in protected areas such as under eaves, in trees, or in shrubs. If you spot a wasp nest on your property, it's best to call a professional to remove it, as attempting to do so yourself can be dangerous. To avoid attracting wasps, keep your garbage cans sealed and pick up any fallen fruit from trees. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, as wasps are attracted to bright colors. If you do encounter a wasp swarm, avoid flailing your arms or running away, as this will only provoke them. Instead, calmly walk away and seek shelter indoors.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps the most annoying insect pests that swarm in the spring. They are attracted to standing water, so make sure you don't have any puddles or containers of stagnant water on your property. Easier said than done in Florida's tropical climate. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus, so it's important to take steps to avoid being bitten. To avoid mosquito swarms, wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors, and use insect repellent containing DEET. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times if possible. Keep your windows and doors screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Termites

Termite swarming occurs when a group of reproductive termites leave their existing colony to start a new one. This usually happens when the weather is warm and humid, which is why it typically occurs in the spring or early summer. During a swarm, hundreds or even thousands of winged termites take flight, looking for a suitable mate and a location to start a new colony. Insect pests that swarm in the spring can be a nuisance and even a danger in some cases. By taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid attracting these pests to your home and garden, and protect yourself from their bites and stings. If you do experience insects swarming on your property, we can help.

Trusted Florida Exterminators

If you're experiencing swarms of insects on your property this spring, it can keep you from using your outdoor space or even be a threat to your health. We've been exterminating pests in  Central, West Central, and Southwest Florida since 1958.  Contact us today for a free quote.