Warning Signs That Your Woodlands Home Has Termites
September 28, 2023
What early warning signs of termites do you need to know? Find out today how to identify these pests before they take over your Woodlands property.
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Nothing can ruin a day outdoors like the constant buzzing of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, itchy bites are not the only thing they leave in their wake. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance because of the significant diseases they spread. Learn how expert pest control in Plano from All-Safe Pest & Termite can help safeguard you and your family from these obnoxious pests.
How To Identify A Mosquito
Mosquitoes have long slender bodies, six dangling legs, and narrow wings. Perhaps their two most defining features are their long tubelike mouthpart, called a proboscis, and the sound of their buzzing. Both male and female mosquitoes use their proboscis to feed on plant nectar, and females also use it for feeding on blood.
The two most common mosquitoes in Texas are the Aedes aegypti and the Asian tiger mosquito. Both mosquitoes have a dark brown to black and white striped pattern. Aedes aegypti are unique in that they can survive for long periods without water, and Asian tiger mosquitoes are known for being aggressive and more active during the day than other mosquitoes.
The Many Diseases Mosquitoes Are Known To Spread
We often hear that despite their delicate appearance, mosquitoes are some of the most dangerous animals in the world, which might leave you asking what diseases do mosquitoes spread? While not all of them are common in Texas, the list of diseases caused by mosquitoes is a long one.
When infected mosquitoes bite, they can transmit a variety of diseases, including:
- Zika virus
- Malaria
- West Nile virus
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Yellow fever
- Encephalitis
- Tularemia
Some of these diseases are not typically found locally but currently occur from outbreaks due to travelers visiting our state. While you shouldn't have an intense fear of mosquitoes, it is wise to minimize your exposure to their bites.
Helpful Tips To Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
If you're working to avoid the risk of mosquito bites, you might be asking, why do mosquitoes keep biting me? As strange as it may seem, some people are simply more likely to suffer from mosquito bites. Pregnant women and people with type O blood are at a greater risk of bites. So how can you stop mosquitoes from biting you?
There are a few ways you can attempt to escape mosquito bites, including:
- Wear long sleeves and pants and insect repellent containing DEET when outside.
- Use fans in outdoor seating areas.
- Avoid going outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light-colored clothes that blend in with the horizon.
- Limit the use of sweet or flowery scents.
While these tips can help, the best way to protect yourself is by getting rid of mosquitoes in the yard.
The Most Effective Way To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard
While bug spray is effective up to a point, it's also helpful to look into natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard. The number one way to reduce mosquito populations is to eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so the fewer puddles around your property, the fewer mosquitoes will be hatching there. You can also incorporate plants that ward off mosquitoes into your landscaping plan. Mosquitoes avoid scents like lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, and citronella.
These tips can help, but the number one way to get mosquitoes off your lawn for good is to work with the pest control professionals from All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our mosquito control program can eliminate these biting pests and keep them from returning. Call today to find out how we can keep mosquitoes away from your Plano yard.
