The Best Way To Reduce Mosquitoes On Your Massachusetts Property

Why You Should Avoid Being Bitten By Mosquitoes

If there is one thing you have heard about mosquitoes, it is probably how dangerous these pests can be. In fact, mosquitoes are considered to be the most dangerous creatures on the planet. They are directly responsible for over one million deaths per year worldwide. Most of these fatalities happen in third-world countries where there is less access to medication and medical services. Many organizations work hard to provide mosquito netting and the necessary treatments needed to help these countries. What are they helping them avoid exactly? 

Mosquito bites and what can come with them. We are talking about blood-borne diseases. This is the true threat of mosquitoes. These insects are able to pick up sickness vectors from animals and humans. They then can spread disease to healthy individuals. 

Different species are capable of spreading different types of disease. For instance, female Anopheles mosquitoes are the only species that are capable of spreading malaria. This species does live here in Massachusetts, although malaria is less common in our area than other diseases. In all honesty, most blood-borne diseases are less common in the United States. This is due to our access to affordable and accessible medicine, the hard work of the CDC, and quality pest control that helps people avoid bites in the first place.

Most mosquito bites are not life-threatening. They are mostly just itchy. This itching sensation is triggered by a mosquito’s saliva which it injects into the body while feeding. This saliva acts as a numbing agent so that you do not feel the initial stab through the top layer of your skin. Some people, however, are able to feel bites after a few moments of these pests feeding. 

There are also individuals who have more severe reactions to bites and experience more swelling and itching around wounds. If you have more severe reactions, talk with your doctor about treatments. There are ways to reduce these symptoms. There are also good ways to avoid mosquitoes and their bites in the first place. Let’s talk about some of these methods now.

Mosquito Prevention Tips Everyone Ought To Know

There are two sides to DIY mosquito control. There are methods to make yourself less attractive to these pests and methods to make your yard less accessible for breeding and landing. Let’s start with how to make yourself less attractive to these hungry bugs. Start by changing your wardrobe. Wearing light-colored clothing makes you less visible to these biting pests. 

This is because mosquitoes detect their prey by looking for their silhouette against bright backdrops. The darker your clothing is, the more visible you are. Another thing you can do is avoid going outdoors during dusk and dawn. This is when these pests are most active and when you are most likely to get bitten. You should also avoid marshlands, swamps, and other moist areas as these are major breeding grounds for these pests. 

Finally, use some form of mosquito repellant when spending time in places where these insects might be. Products containing DEET are the most effective but are not your only option. There are many natural sprays that have an effect and are worth using.

On the other side of mosquito prevention, there are control tips you can use on your property to address breeding grounds and landing opportunities. Here are some simple methods to start with on your property.

• Eliminate sources of rainwater build-up around your yard after it rains and address situations that might allow for rainwater build-up in the future.
• Have your gutters cleaned at least once a year and make sure they are in good working condition.
• Fix leaky piping and fixtures inside and around your home and make sure they are not creating pools of water.
• Empty water out of outdoor sinks or bathing areas.
• Do not leave pet water bowls outside to stagnate.
• Change the water in bird baths and ornate pools at least once every four days. 
• Stock large fresh bodies of water on your property with mosquito fish.
• Install fans around covered outdoor lounging areas.

If all of this tells you anything, it should tell you that controlling mosquitoes on your own is difficult. We are excited to tell you that there are much easier options to combat these pests on your property. Take a moment today to consider the benefits of professional mosquito services and see how we can help keep mosquitoes away from your Massachusetts home.