Much fear surrounds the idea of a mosquito bite—being covered in bites that are constantly itching to potentially contracting Zika (a virus spread by mosquitoes). Any bug that draws blood will naturally be a little scary.
However, mosquitoes do play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. You'll learn more about that below in our all-inclusive guide, as well as what happens when a mosquito bites you and a few prevention tips for keeping those suckers at bay.
When mosquitoes get out of hand, though, it's always best to call the Fort Myers pest control service technicians at Coastal Lawn and Pest.
The Role Mosquitoes Play In Our Ecosystem
What is the ecological importance of mosquitoes? Mosquitoes can be found in different types of ecosystems and play a variety of roles. Like bees, mosquitoes act as pollinators for many types of plant species. In fact, blood is only a secondary nutritional source for mosquitoes since they primarily feed on nectar.
Males always feed on nectar and don't bite. Females only feed on blood when they're about to lay eggs.
Besides pollination, mosquitoes serve as an essential food source for birds and fish. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and spend a lot of time in these areas, so their eggs and larvae are easy and plentiful meals for all types of creatures, such as turtles and dragonflies. Adult mosquitoes are the preferred meal ticket for other animals, such as lizards and spiders.
What Happens When A Mosquito Bites You
What we call a "mosquito bite" is a misnomer—it's more like having your blood drawn. The female mosquito inserts the proboscis (narrow area of the mouth for retrieving blood) into the skin, looking for a blood vessel, and injects a vasodilator, which helps the blood vessel dilate. The protein in your blood makes it a perfect meal before the female mosquito lays eggs.
Once "bitten," your immune system releases histamines that cause the site to itch. Histamines are only released once the body detects the mosquito's saliva, so the urge to scratch may occur hours later. Then, your white blood cells pool into the site to kill off the saliva, resulting in a red, itchy bump.
Five Simple Yet Effective Mosquito Prevention Tips
While mosquitoes may benefit the ecosystem, you don't want them around you, your family, or your pets.
Here are five simple yet effective prevention tips to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard:
- Refill standing water sources frequently, such as birdbaths and wading pools.
- Ensure your pool continuously circulates and receives treatment.
- Install new screens in your windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, especially if you have a sunroom.
- Use essential oils to keep mosquitoes away, such as lemongrass oil, clove oil, catnip oil, and peppermint oils.
- Avoid overwatering your garden.
These natural ways to repel mosquitoes are healthier prevention methods that will help keep mosquitoes away from your Fort Myers home and keep your family and pets safe. Mosquitoes are more active during dawn and dusk, so staying in at these times is best.
The Benefits Of Professional Mosquito Control
It's impossible to eliminate mosquitoes from outdoor spaces completely. The best way to get rid of mosquitoes outside is to call the experts since most mosquito prevention only defends you against mosquitoes temporarily. We encourage you to contact our Fort Myers pest control service technicians to schedule regular treatments during mosquito season for the most effective results.
Coastal Lawn and Pest has provided top-notch pest control services to Fort Myers residents for years. If you have a mosquito problem, don't hesitate to contact us today.