Sunday, October 30, 2016

Autumn Mosquito Control In Florida

Fall is here and it is a season of many changes. The weather turns cooler, the nights get longer and the leaves change color. This is a time when some things slow down. As Halloween gets closer, some night-flying blood-suckers actually get less active. In this case we mean those six-legged vampires better known as mosquitoes.

Until we have had our first frost and temperatures consistently stay below 55, we may still see those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around. In the autumn months after mating, male mosquitoes die. But female mosquitoes actually hibernate. They can survive the winter months. In the spring when the weather warms up, they seek blood to feed on so they can lay their eggs.

All mosquito larvae (eggs) require water, even in winter, and mosquito larvae can last years. As the water temperature drops, it basically creates a dormant stage in the mosquito larvae called diapause, which stops further development. Development resumes when the water warms again. Mosquitoes are quite the survival experts.

“Mosquitoes that tolerate the dry and cooler fall weather tend to be the mosquitoes that transmit disease, like West Nile virus,” says researcher Lyric Bartholomay, an Iowa State University assistant professor who tracks mosquitoes; “Mosquitoes are the most important disease vectors.” The insect transmits a range of illnesses that can be deadly to humans, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, dengue fever, and of course the Zika virus.

We experience warmer and more humid conditions here in the Sunshine State. The mosquito season in Florida will vary depending on which part of the state you are located in. The cooler northern portion normally does not begin to experience mosquito activity until early March, while South Florida may see mosquitoes in early February. The tropical South Florida climate is especially conducive to the mosquito lifestyle, since mosquitoes are attracted to moisture and humidity for breeding and laying eggs.

During the mosquito off-season make your yard less welcoming to them. Ensure your garden is free of any breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Remove all standing water from your yard and any other objects, junk or gardening equipment that can collect rainwater. Clean up any leaves which may have fallen to reduce the dark, damp environments they create. Leaves also gather in gutters and on flat shed roofs, so it is important to safely get up and clear them out. Piles of leaves in the garden are not only unsightly, they are also a perfect home for other unwanted bugs and insects.

Our technicians are trained to provide superior service that results in a significant decline in mosquito populations. We use proven products to provide long-lasting mosquito control, which means we can make fewer visits to your home. With our service, your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about the nuisance of mosquitoes.