Mosquitoes
About
Mosquitoes are small flying insects. Both male and female mosquitoes have an elongated mouthpart used to feed on plant nectar, their primary food source. However, females also feed on the blood of warm-blood animals to get the protein needed to reproduce. Mosquitoes thrive anywhere that provides females with standing water to lay their eggs on and sources of nutrition. Unfortunately, our East Tennessee yards are mosquito magnets. Gardens, flowering trees, tall grass, dense vegetation, clogged gutters, and wading pools provide mosquitoes with resting spots, breeding sites, and food sources!
Dealing with mosquitoes year after year is not only a huge annoyance and inconvenience, but it is a threat to your health and safety. While most of their bites "only" result in itchy welts, the spread of diseases by mosquitoes is a significant threat. Worldwide, mosquitoes are responsible for around one million deaths per year. Reducing your contact with mosquitoes is always best!
Use the following tips to make your outdoor space less habitable to biting mosquitoes:
- Keep grass cut short and cut back overgrown shrubbery, bushes, and trees to reduce hiding spots.
- Remove as much standing water from your property as possible.
- Store containers that collect water upside down and regularly empty and refill pet bowls and wading pools with fresh water.
- Plant lavender, marigolds, basil, and mint that naturally repel mosquitoes.
Call today to learn about mosquito control in East Tennessee.