In The Line Of Bite: A Guide To Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes In Tampa
Mosquitoes are so annoying. Have you recently found yourself in the line of sight of a mosquito? When mosquitoes get their sights on you, they're relentless. Why do they act this way? That's what we're going to take a look at today. It is important to understand mosquito behavior because it can help you avoid those irritating bites. Of course, the best way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you is to avoid going where mosquitoes are active. If one of the places you like to go is your backyard, and there are already mosquitoes out there, you'll need to deal with them. To get rid of mosquitoes on your Tampa property, contact EcoTech Pest Control Services for a mosquito treatment in Tampa. We offer one-time service and seasonal mosquito control. With that said, let's look at how you can avoid bites by getting to know mosquitoes a little bit better.
Understanding Mosquito Behavior: Insights Into Why They Bite
Whether you're at home or off gallivanting through the woods, there are ways to avoid getting targeted by mosquitoes and simple steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites. Let's get into the mind of a mosquito. It isn't a very big mind, so this won't take long. See if you know the answers to these questions.
What do mosquitoes eat?
All mosquitoes subsist on nectar and plant sap. Only female mosquitoes draw blood from warm-blooded animals. They do this in order to make eggs, which they lay a hundred at a time. Since females need this blood meal for reproduction, they are persistent about getting it. You'll have a hard time keeping mosquitoes away from your yard, even if you use mosquito repellent. Currently, the best solution is to wear clothing with netting if you're in a heavy mosquito zone.
What is the first thing that attracts mosquitoes to you?
Mosquitoes have receptors that help them detect carbon dioxide. They also have poor eyesight, so detecting carbon dioxide from warm-blooded animals is often the first way they find a potential meal. They can sense carbon dioxide from a distance. Since you can't stop breathing, there isn't much you can do about this attractant. But being in a group with others can make you one of many targets rather than the only target.
Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?
Researchers have isolated a few factors that make mosquitoes find one person over another. While a mosquito follows the carbon dioxide to a person, it shifts to other senses to land and take a bite. Body heat, sweat, and consumption of alcohol all play a factor. You may reduce your attraction by avoiding outdoor exercise and consumption of alcohol. As for the smell of your sweat, you can mask it by putting on mosquito repellent or using essential oils. If you go with essential oils, remember to apply the oils frequently so that you aren't without protection. They wear out quickly.
Can mosquitoes bite through pants?
If you've ever gotten bitten through your clothing, it is likely you have this question. The answer is yes. Mosquitoes can bite you through your pants and shirts, depending on the fabric. We recommend wearing clothing that is loose so mosquitoes can't slide their long, need-like proboscis through a fabric pore and get you. It is also smart to wear a shirt with sleeves and choose pants over shorts to reduce skin for mosquitoes to land on.
Why do mosquitoes fly low to the ground?
Mosquitoes often hover around near the ground. They do this because they can't see you well. They get low so they can see your dark silhouette in the foreground against the bright sky. You can make it harder for mosquitoes to find you by wearing bright or light-colored clothing.
The next time you decide to go out for a hike or a fishing trip, keep these ideas in mind. They could help you get fewer mosquito bites if you are more diligent than the others in your group. Let's take a look at why it is a good idea to avoid mosquito bites and dismantle a few misconceptions about mosquito-borne diseases.
Health Risks Of Mosquito Bites: Warning Signs To Watch For
Are mosquitoes dangerous? Most of the time, no. You can get a lot of bites and never get a serious mosquito-borne disease. But that doesn't mean you won't get sick. The diseases spread by mosquitoes feel like the flu or common cold. One helpful warning sign that a mosquito made you sick is a headache. The reason is that the most common and serious mosquito diseases that are localized in the United States, like West Nile virus and EEE, are diseases that cause encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain. As you can imagine, that can cause a headache. It can also be serious, so take precautions and seek medical attention if you've gotten mosquito bites and are sick with cold symptoms and a headache.
The vast majority of bites you get will only result in itchy wounds. Some mosquito species aren't able to transmit diseases to people, but they still bite. The mosquitoes that are able to transmit harmful diseases may not be infected. And, even if you do contract a serious mosquito-borne virus, you may demonstrate no symptoms, referred to as being asymptomatic. Someone who is asymptomatic is still a carrier of the disease, and mosquitoes can get the disease from them. Viruses like the Zika virus spread quickly because they have a high rate of asymptomatic response.
It is generally a good idea to avoid bites, even if you don't get sick. Mosquito bites are miserable because our bodies use histamine to protect us, and histamine causes itching, inflammation, and a rash. Let's look at a few more ways you can avoid mosquito bites.
Mosquito Bite Prevention: How to Protect Yourself From Bites
We talked about personal protection, but, as we pointed out, it isn't easy to deter female mosquitoes from their goal of reproduction. The best mosquito prevention is to reduce the number of mosquitoes trying to bite you. While you have no control over this while away from your home, there are many ways to reduce mosquitoes in your yard.
Here are some suggestions.
- Pour out any stagnant water sources you discover in your yard, particularly if there are little, wriggly baby mosquitoes in the water. It takes a week and a half for mosquitoes to develop into the flying pests that bite you. When you pour them out, they dry out on the ground. No more mosquito swarms!
- Address conditions that cause standing water, such as a clogged gutter or overgrown vegetation in your landscaping.
- Remove objects from your yard that act as containers. Anything that can hold rainwater for a week and a half is a potential breeding location for mosquitoes. Bear in mind that a mosquito only needs one inch of water, so even a bottle cap can provide a breeding site.
- If you have a birdbath or some other stagnant water source, consider installing a circulation pump to get the water moving. Mosquitoes need stagnant water because their larvae feed on organisms, such as protozoa, bacteria, and algae, which require water that is not moving.
These simple steps can have more of an impact than you might think. Analyze your yard, consider potential breeding sites, and get rid of them. If you prevent even one female mosquito from laying her eggs in your yard, you'll avoid a swarm of around a hundred mosquitoes that would come from her first batch of eggs.
Why Choose EcoTech Pest Control Services?
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Our locally owned team combines skilled technicians with backgrounds in customer service and pest control. Clean-cut, drug-free, and fully trained, we offer tailored solutions based on local pest knowledge.
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Our technicians stay updated on the latest pest control techniques. With personalized attention and ongoing excellence, expect lasting results for your home or business.
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Our team prioritizes cleanliness and safety, never overbooking to ensure quality. With us, your property gets the care it deserves, every time. Experience peace of mind with EcoTech Pest Control Services.
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Our methods prioritize the environment and offer long-term results. With free inspections and a satisfaction guarantee, trust us for effective solutions that last.