Mosquito Control
When it comes to nightmares that you can’t wake up from, the incessant buzzing, and seemingly never-ending, burning itchiness that comes from mosquitoes and their bites is close to the top of the list. Your first instinct is to scratch and scratch, but unfortunately, this provides no relief. While some creams or sprays may help with the symptoms after you’ve been a meal for a swarm of mosquitoes, handling the problem before it gets out of hand is the better, more comfortable option. In the past decade or so, the mosquito population in New Jersey has been rising, along with the need for relief from their hostile takeovers of yards and fields alike.
While bites themselves are extremely annoying, that is far from the potential damage they can do. Mosquitoes have long been known to carry a host of different viruses, including Zika and West Nile viruses. They can also spread heartworm to pets such as dogs and cats and eastern equine encephalomyelitis. Despite the name, EEE affects not only horses but also people and some birds.
Mosquitoes go through their entire life cycle in about two weeks, with eggs being ready to hatch anywhere from a few days to several months after being laid. Just a few individuals can become a buzzing block party in your backyard very quickly.
There are three main species of mosquito that have been causing people headaches over the last few years. These are the cattail, the Asian tiger, and the White-footed Woods. After multiple attempts to invade America in the 70s and 80s (which were eradicated), the Asian Tiger has successfully laid roots and quickly spread to the four corners of the map. It was originally brought here aboard shipments of used tires and ornamental bamboo knickknacks.
The cattail mosquitoes are named for their larvae’s specialized breathing technique, utilizing the local cattails like a straw from underwater. This species tends to spread diseases more than others because they fly long distances and feed on large animals. While the spread of equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is most affected by this species, they have been also been found transmitting the Jamestown Canyon virus while feeding on deer.
While the Asian Tiger and cattail have been documented as most active at the end of the day, or right around sundown, the White-footed Woods are active during the day and at night. All three are aggressive feeders with painful bites. Luckily, once these pests are noticed, steps can be taken to handle the problem.
No matter where you go, mosquitoes are almost impossible to avoid. Luckily for the residents of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties, New Day Pest Control has everything you need to fight off mosquitoes trying to invade your property. We want to stop them in their tracks before they can cover you with the itchy welts. We can also provide you with information on environmental changes to prevent their return such as cleaning gutters and removal of standing water. Contact us today so we can put together a plan for you.