Where Do Mosquitos Live Besides Your Home?
Mosquitos are some of the most annoying creatures on Earth. Not only are their bites itchy and painful, but they can also carry dangerous and deadly diseases. Knowing where they typically live is valuable information to have when it comes to mosquito control. When you know where mosquitos hang out, you can do everything possible to avoid them and to discourage them from calling your home their “home, sweet home.”
Even though temperatures are cooling down, you still need to know where mosquitos live so you can make it clear to these annoying little insects that your home is not for them. Take the first step in keeping mosquitos away by understanding where they tend to live.
They’re Everywhere
Unfortunately, mosquitos are good at adapting. This means that while they do best in tropical and subtropical habitats, some species have also adapted to be able to survive many other environments. Some mosquitos can hibernate, and others lay their eggs in ice so they can hatch when the temperatures warm up. In fact, the only place mosquitos are not found on Earth today is Antarctica.
Near Humans and Animals
Male mosquitos eat nectar and other non-living things, but females need the nutrients found in blood to help their eggs develop. Because of this, they set up their breeding sites near humans, livestock, wild animals, or birds.
Near Artificial Areas With Standing Water
Mosquitos need water for breeding. They lay their eggs in water, and the larvae live there until they are mature enough to move out on their own. This transformation can be as short as four days, so if you leave a bucket of water in your backyard for just a week, it’s possible an entire family of mosquitos could hatch right in your backyard. Outdoor birdbaths also attract mosquitos, but luckily, the chlorine in swimming pools will keep them away.
Near Natural Areas With Standing Water
Swamps, lakes, ponds, ditches, and even lawns or gardens with standing water are particularly attractive to mosquitos. If you live near an area with one of these bodies of standing water, make sure you avoid going near the water during dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active. To further protect you and your home, fix holes in your screens and seal up gaps in your doorways so mosquitos can’t enter your home. And consider hiring a pest control company to keep mosquitos out of your home and yard.
Near Vegetation
Mosquitos can often be found near bushes, trees, and other vegetation. They’re quite fond of tree holes that are filled with rainwater. Keep your yard clear of debris and your bushes and trees trimmed.
Rain Gutters
Clogged rain gutters are a dream come true for mosquitos. The trapped debris keeps water still and in one place. Plus, it’s a protected location, unnoticed by predators. They may also start a family in areas on your roof where water collects. Take the time to clear your rain gutters, and keep up on that maintenance routinely to avoid giving mosquitos a place to settle down. You could also look into gutter guards so you don’t have to keep making sure your gutters are debris free, as often.
Buckets and Flower Pots
One of the most common places for mosquitos to live is the buckets, flower pots, and other cans in your yard. These items are often left out without a second thought, and they fill up with water from rainstorms or sprinklers. Mosquitos will waste no time in moving in and calling your watering can home.
Cellars and Vacant Houses
But where do they go in the winter? Some mosquitos hibernate, and these tenacious creatures can be found in people’s cellars and in vacant houses. They can go the whole winter undetected by you, only to come back with a biting frenzy when the weather warms up. That’s why it’s important to work with a reputable pest control company to make sure your home does not become a favorite dwelling place for mosquitos.
Don’t risk having a mosquito problem. Get rid of mosquitos today with the help of a professional mosquito control company. If you are in the Austin or Houston, TX area, give Barefoot Mosquito a call today!
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