What You Should Know About Mosquitoes In Houston

There may not be an insect that is more of a nuisance to Houston, Texas, residents than mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are slender, flying insects that come in a variety of colors. Most commonly, mosquitoes are black, dark brown, or black and white. There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, and about 176 are known in the United States. Mosquitoes are known to feed on blood. However, it is not widely known that only female mosquitoes feed on blood. Blood provides females with the protein they need to produce eggs. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap.

Whom Do Mosquitoes Prefer?

Although mosquitoes can bite anyone, some people are more susceptible or are preferred over others. These people include:

• Pregnant women
• People with type-O blood
• People who have been drinking
• People that breathe out more carbon dioxide than others
• People with higher body temperature or more sweat
• People wearing darker clothes

What Are The Dangers Of Mosquito Bites?

Mosquitoes are the planet's deadliest insects. This is because of the diseases and parasites they are known to transmit. 

In the United States, mosquitoes-borne diseases are West Nile virus, encephalitis, and Zika virus.
They can also transmit parasitic heartworms to dogs. These heartworms are potentially fatal.
In tropical temperatures and developing countries, mosquitoes spread malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
Other health concerns caused by mosquitos include allergies and essential scratching, leading to open wounds that are susceptible to infection.

Can You Control Mosquito Populations?

There are ways to reduce factors that attract mosquitoes to both people and properties in Houston. The following are tips to reduce the chance of mosquitoes biting you while outside, inside, and how to deter mosquitoes from being on your property:

• Wear light-colored clothing. 
• Stay inside during peak mosquito feeding times, which are dusk and dawn.
• Don't drink alcohol, especially beer, before going outside or while outside.
• Shower if you are sweating.
• Use repellants. You can find both chemical and natural repellants that are effective in keeping mosquitoes away from you.
• Check your windows and doors to make sure they are closed and without gaps.
• Install screens that don't have holes and that work properly to keep insects out.
• Although mosquito nets over a bed can be useful, they are also dangerous. It is best to use proper hygiene and aroma techniques to keep mosquitoes off you while you sleep.
• Remove standing water. Standing water is a breeding site for mosquitoes. Check clogged gutters, infrequently used children's toys and yard tools, planter saucers, and discarded buckets and cans.
• Change water in birdbaths frequently and maintain ponds properly.
• Introduce mosquito predators to your yard or allow them to live in your yard. These predators include spiders, bats, and birds.
• Use a repellent outside. This includes growing plants such as lavender, citronella, marigolds, and basil to act as natural mosquito repellants. 
• Check with your neighbors to see if they have factors that can be reduced as well.
• The best way to keep mosquitoes off your property is to get professional assistance.

Whom Can I Contact For Professional Assistance?

If you are dealing with a mosquito problem in or around your home, contact the professionals at Cantu Pest & Termite. Our mosquito abatement program will help you enjoy your yard year-round without having to worry about mosquitoes. We have a customer satisfaction guarantee to ensure you are happy with the services provided. Contact Cantu Pest & Termite to find out more about our home pest control and commercial pest control options.