Mosquito Identification In Florida

What Are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are a type of true fly and have two wings covered in scales, a narrow oval-shaped body, feather-like antennae, and long legs. They also have an extended mouthpart that they use for feeding. Males and females feed on plant nectar as their main food source. Females consume the blood of people and other warm-blooded animals to complete their reproductive process.

• Aedes aegypti mosquitoes: These mosquitoes are dark brown to black and have white scales on their thorax that form a violin-like pattern. The tarsal segment on their hind legs has white bands giving their legs a striped appearance. These mosquitoes are container breeders, and therefore, can thrive in urban areas. These mosquitoes prefer to feed on people.
• Salt marsh mosquitoes: Salt marsh mosquitoes are brown with a gray patch on their sides and a white ring around their proboscis. They are aggressive biters, and unlike most species, they are active during the middle of the day and can fly in the wind. Also, instead of laying their eggs on top of standing water like most species, they lay their eggs on dry ground that floods frequently.

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Mosquitoes are dangerous pests that spread diseases throughout South Florida that make people and their pets ill. Encephalitis, chikungunya, and the West Nile virus are all spread by mosquitoes. In tropical and developing countries, mosquitoes are well-known for spreading malaria, the Zika virus, and yellow fever. Throughout the southern United States, the threat of mosquitoes infecting cats and dogs with parasitic heartworm is significant. If not treated, the infection is fatal.

Why Do I Have A Mosquito Problem?

Mosquitoes are such a problem in South Florida because our humid tropical environment allows them to thrive. There is an increase in mosquito activity during the rainy seasons and hurricane seasons when plenty of standing water is produced for females to lay their eggs. Standing water that collects in rainwater, mud puddles, containers, tree cavities, marshes, drainage ditches, and tree stumps are all potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Where Will I Find Mosquitoes?

Things in our yards that collect rainwater and attract mosquitoes include flowering plants, dense vegetation, tall grasses, wading pools, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and low-lying areas. Mosquitoes are found living throughout the United States but are prevalent in areas like South Florida with tropical environments and plenty of marshes and wetlands.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mosquitoes?

South Florida is known for humidity and heat, which makes environmental conditions perfect for mosquitoes year-round. However, our proven mosquito control program will put a stop to those irritating and potentially harmful bites.

Mosquitoes are annoying at best and dangerous at worst. Protect your property by choosing Native Pest Management to implement a pet-friendly mosquito prevention program that is guaranteed. While it is impossible to eliminate all mosquitoes, it is possible to significantly reduce their numbers on your property and eliminate their ability to breed near your home.

Our program treats various forms of standing water, including ponds, lakes, pots, sewers, gutters, and birdbaths with pet-safe mosquito larvicides that eliminate their ability to breed. With our effective and lasting mosquito control treatments, your family, tenants, or clients will be safe from bites.