Mosquitos are a pest that no one wants around their home. These stinging pests can transmit dangerous diseases and be difficult to get rid of. Plus, the warm and humid climate of Florida is a mosquito’s dream. With plenty of water and food sources for mosquitoes to enjoy, these nuisances are always around.Â
Thankfully, a mosquito-free summer is possible thanks to the pros of mosquito control at Critter Control of Tampa. It is best to leave it to the professionals for effective mosquito removal, but what attracts them to begin with? And are there steps to take to have a mosquito free summer?
Different Species of Mosquitoes in Tampa
There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes around the world, but only about 176 species are found in North America. Different areas of the United States will have different types of mosquito species to handle. Some species carry diseases, while others don’t. In Tampa, one of the most common species is the yellow fever mosquito, which is known to carry diseases. Additional common species found in the Tampa area are:
- Asian tiger mosquito
- Southern house mosquito
- Black salt marsh mosquito
Dangerous Species of Mosquitoes
The various mosquitoes found in Florida have the ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals. But the yellow fever mosquito is one of the most dangerous mosquito species. These mosquitoes have the ability to transmit malaria, Zika virus, and yellow fever to name a few. These mosquitoes are commonly found all over the United States, including Florida and the Tampa area.
Adult yellow fever mosquitoes are about 4 to 7 millimeters in length, females being larger than the males. On the top of their bodies, there is a white pattern and white bands around their legs. Male yellow fever mosquitoes will have longer antennas, while females have short hairs in place.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are most active in the summer, as the heat and humidity is paradise for them. The swamp areas of Tampa are a particularly popular breeding ground for mosquitoes. They search for standing water to lay their eggs on water or nearby in damp soil.
As mosquitoes eat mostly plant nectar, they love flower beds and areas they can feed. They’re not only attracted to flowers, but also floral scented products like soaps and perfumes.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, check your property for any standing water. Common areas for mosquitoes to lay eggs are birdbaths, spare tires, gutters, and other areas around the home that have standing water. To help prevent mosquitoes breeding, be sure to:
- Wash out your birdbaths once a week
- Clean out your gutters and unclog them
- Turn tires upright to drain water
- Check other areas for proper drainage
If you’re still dealing with these pests, bug zappers and citronella candles can help deter mosquitoes. But for highly effective solutions, insecticides and mosquito repellant are a good option. Be sure to follow the directions when using these products, or contact Critter Control of Greater Tampa for professional mosquito control.
What Do Mosquitoes Eat?
Despite common misconceptions, mosquitos feast on more than just blood. Female mosquitoes tend to feed off of blood and plant nectar, while male mosquitos are interested in plant nectar. With a variation in their diets, they thrive in areas with plants and vegetation, close to humans or animals.
What Makes Up a Mosquitoes Diet?
With a large portion of their diet being made up of plant nectar, mosquitoes are great pollinators. They feed mostly on flowering plants, as the natural sugars provide them with energy. With their tiny bodies, you might be wondering how much do mosquitoes eat? A female mosquito can eat up to three times her weight in blood. Female mosquitoes feed off of humans or animals, as they need blood to produce eggs.
What Eats Mosquitoes?
Fortunately, there are natural predators for mosquitoes. In the Florida area, there are several native animals and fish that like to snack on these pesky bugs. Birds, bats, frogs, and dragonflies are common predators and will happily chow down on adult mosquitoes they come across.
Home and Business Mosquito Control
Critter Control of Greater Tampa offers both home and commercial mosquito control. Our In2Care system breaks the mosquito breeding cycle and discourages them from hanging around. We place traps around the exterior of your home, which releases an order that attracts mosquitoes. Once they land inside, they come into contact with a couple different eco conscious products that they will take back to their breeding grounds.
Our system is minimally invasive as there is no fogging. Our traps can be placed around your home or business to prevent a mosquito infestation. This will help you to take your summer back and enjoy the outdoors without fear of a mosquito bite.
For All Your Mosquito Removal Needs, Call Critter Control of Tampa
Although they are natural pollinators, mosquitoes are an annoying pest. Mosquitoes put a damper on summer fun, but they don’t have to. As the weather warms up, be on the lookout for signs of mosquitoes. If you’ve taken all the steps you can and still have mosquitoes, call the professionals. Critter Control of the Greater Tampa area are trained professionals that can rid your home or business of mosquitoes.
