The North Carolina Mosquito Control Guide: Tips to Keep Pesky Insects Away

If you're like most people, you probably don't enjoy the sight or sound of mosquitoes. These nagging insects can ruin a perfectly good day outdoors and make it difficult to enjoy your backyard. In this guide, we will provide tips on how to control mosquitoes in North Carolina.  By following these simple steps, you can keep these pests away and enjoy your outdoor space! 

Dangers Of Mosquitoes 

Most people are familiar with the itchy, red bumps that mosquitoes leave behind after biting. But did you know that these bites can also transmit diseases? In fact, mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous animals in the world because they can transmit deadly diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and Zika virus. As well as being carriers of these diseases, mosquitoes can also transmit parasites to your pets, so keeping them safe from these insects is vital as well. Mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle which includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult. For this life cycle to continue, they need a habitat that can produce close proximity to water. 

Where Do Mosquitoes Come From?

 Most people know that mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially in the summertime. They're attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat our bodies give off, which is why they seem to be constantly biting us! So, where do these annoying insects come from? As we mentioned, mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle. In order for this life cycle to continue, mosquitoes need a certain habitat. Females lay their eggs in stagnant water, such as ponds or marshes. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and live in the water until they transform into pupae. The pupae then emerge as adults, and the cycle begins anew.

While most of us are familiar with the adult mosquito, it's the larvae that are actually responsible for controlling mosquito populations. When conditions are right, a single female can lay up to 300 eggs at a time! However, not all of these eggs will hatch due to predation or other factors. As larvae, mosquitoes feed on microscopic organisms in the water. They're especially fond of eating other larval mosquitoes. This helps to control the population and ensure that there aren't too many mosquitoes buzzing around.

Now that you know where mosquitoes come from and how they live, you can start taking steps to prevent them from invading your home. Keep reading for our tips on controlling mosquitoes. 

How To Prevent Mosquitoes in North Carolina

North Carolina weather during the summertime can consist of humid weather, and this is partially due to sporadic rainfall. As we mentioned before, mosquitoes need water to breed, and this means North Carolina is the perfect climate for mosquitoes to breed. Below are some tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes: 

Remove Standing Water

If you reside near a lake or pond, there is not much you can do to eliminate mosquitoes without chemicals, but things you can do are eliminating standing water around your home in areas such as: 

You should also make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. This will help keep mosquitoes out of your home and make it easier for you to enjoy the outdoors without being constantly bothered by these insects. 

Mosquito Repellents 

There are a lot of mosquito repellents that you can purchase from your local store that will do a decent job, but they will only keep mosquitoes from biting you. These pests will still be flying around your area. Some natural solutions that can repel mosquitoes include: 

Dethatch Your Grass

When rainfall hits your grass, soil can get clogged up, leaving a perfect spot of standing water in your yard for mosquitoes to breed. Dethatching your lawn will help create openings in your soil to breathe, as well as reduce the chances of fungus growth, ultimately keeping your lawn healthier. Once you mow your grass half of its usual height, use a rake or a dethatcher to open up the thatch layer to allow your soil to breathe. This process can also be done by proper lawn aeration. 

Professional Mosquito Control

Sometimes you can try all of the tips and tricks, yet still, see mosquitoes ruining your NC summer evenings. If this is the case, look to the expert technicians at our sister company, TruMosquito! Our team services areas throughout Mecklenburg County and offers mosquito control in Charlotte, NC, to make sure your property is free of this nagging insect. We use the newest and latest technologies to make sure you are getting the most out of each and every service we perform. Don't let mosquitoes win and keep you inside your home any longer!