Mosquito Identification

Mosquitoes are dangerous insects that live across the United States and the rest of the world and are a particular problem in tropical and developing countries. They thrive in areas like Phoenix that provide warm temperatures (above 80 degrees) and lots of standing water that collects in either in man-made or natural containers. Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous dangerous and debilitating diseases, making them a significant threat to both people and animals.

Physical features of a mosquito include:

• Six skinny legs that dangle down when in flight
• An oval-shaped body
• A single pair of scale-covered wings
• Proboscis – an elongated feeding mouthpart
• Brown or black with or without white markings

Mosquitoes are problematic because females require blood meals to complete the reproductive cycle. They feed on human or animal blood by delivering painful, itchy bites using a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis. Excessive itching at the bite sites can lead to secondary infections that require medical attention.

As they feed, mosquitoes transmit various diseases through their saliva, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. In other parts of the world, they spread deadly malaria and yellow fever. These blood-feeding pests also transmit parasitic heartworms to our dogs and cats, which is a fatal condition if not treated by a veterinarian.

Mosquitoes are problematic on any property there is water, whether it's a large human-made pond or a leaking pipe behind a wall. The more sources of standing water (breeding sites), the more likely mosquitoes will be present.

Mosquitoes also like to take advantage of properties offering them vegetation, trees, and structures (decks, porches) to hide under during the extreme heat of the day. Almost any outdoor space or yard may become home to mosquitoes!

Mosquitoes are mainly outdoor pests, living and swarming around standing water. Some of their favorite breeding sites include:

• Ponds and lakes
• Overwatered gardens
• Low lying areas in driveways and yards
• Pools
• Containers, such as flower pots, wheelbarrows, buckets, wading pools, trash cans, recycling bins
• Clogged gutters

Being one of the most dangerous insects worldwide means keeping these pests out of your Phoenix yard is very important. At Green Home Pest Control, we want to help you meet the goal of controlling mosquitoes on your property through our mosquito control services. Our solutions eliminate problems with both adults and developing eggs and larvae, offering a comprehensive solution.

We are committed to protecting your family from biting mosquitoes and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space to its fullest. Reach out to Green Home Pest Control today to learn more about protecting your commercial or residential property from disease-spreading mosquitoes.

Use the following prevention tips to avoid problems with mosquitoes:

• Always keep secure screens in doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from flying into your home.
• Mosquitoes are weak fliers; utilize outdoor fans on decks and porches to keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Eliminate any standing water from your yard. Store containers that collect water upside down, repair leaky pipes, and ensure adequate irrigation.
• Remove debris from your yard that could allow water to collect.
• Keep vegetation and grass on your property well maintained. Mosquitoes rest in areas of dense vegetation.
• Maintain pools and ornamental ponds; keep the water circulating and treat the water.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control offerings.