When you hear the label “World’s Deadliest Animal,” you probably think of something big, ferocious, intimidating, with sharp claws and gnashing fangs, but what you certainly wouldn’t consider is something smaller than your pinkie nail. The reality is though, the world’s deadliest animal is nothing more than the humble mosquito, with a yearly body count of over one million deaths worldwide. Who would’ve thought you might be harboring a serial killer in your own Lakewood backyard?
Common Species Of Mosquitoes In Lakewood
Thankfully, not all species of mosquitoes prefer human blood, and they don’t all pose health threats to humanity either. Unfortunately, though, there are still a few dangerous species of mosquitoes in Lakewood with voracious appetites for humans:
- Asian Tiger Mosquito
- Woodland Stream Mosquito
- Bird Biting Mosquito
- Floodwater Mosquito
Depending on the species, general size and coloring vary, but they all have the same distinctive qualities; thin bodies, one pair of wings, long spindly legs, and a proboscis they use to feed. What makes them so dangerous isn’t an allergic reaction or a toxin-filled bite, either. These pests are notorious for transmitting blood-borne diseases, essentially making them dirty needles with wings. They don’t all carry these diseases, but the more you’re bitten, the higher your risk of contracting something like West Nile virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, encephalitis, malaria, and Chikungunya virus.
How To Prevent A Mosquito Infestation On Your Lakewood Property
It’s a little-known fact that only female mosquitoes drink blood. Generally, mosquitoes subsist off nectars and plant juices, but only the females require a protein found in blood to help develop their eggs. This doesn’t really help your situation while you’re scratching your arms raw, but it does give a little insight as to what kind of environments mosquitoes prefer. Since they usually only consume plant juices, they thrive within dense vegetation that retains plenty of moisture.
Protecting your Lakewood property against mosquitoes is usually as simple as generalized lawn care maintenance. For most, this is little to no problem, but one missed week could spell danger for your household:
- Keep your lawn mowed weekly
- Trim back bushes and gardens
- Try not to over-water your lawn and garden
- Make sure your soil is draining properly
- Dump out any receptacles that collect water; wash and rinse thoroughly
- Cut back any dense underbrush around the perimeter of your property
- Clean out your gutters, and remove any leaf and brush piles from your lawn
- Reduce other food sources, like wildlife, by adding tight-fitting lids to outdoor trash cans
- Always wear bug spray when outside during cooler hours of the day
- Wear long sleeves and pants if possible
Need Help With A Mosquito Infestation On Your Lakewood Property?
When mosquitoes invade homes and properties, getting rid of them can be nearly impossible without help. These pests are incredibly small, which makes them experts at hiding, and mosquito eggs can go dormant for years if water sources dry up. Some may try store-bought pesticides to save some money, but they’re never as effective as professional help, and they can even harm the delicate ecosystem around your home.
Instead of struggling with DIY solutions that are doomed to fail, give our experts at Bugaboo Pest Control a call. Our company was founded in Lakewood, so we know everything there is to know about this area’s pest problems. We always use the highest quality pest control products in our treatments, and we won’t try to swindle you for treatments you don’t need. You need honest, dependable pest control experts that you can trust, and we can provide you with exactly that! So get in contact with us today to start discussing your pest control options.
