Mosquitoes In North Carolina

Everyone is familiar with mosquitoes. They buzz in your ear as you try to get them before they get you. Closely related to flies, mosquitoes are parasitic insects that feed on plant nectar and the blood of humans and animals. Though most believe all mosquitoes feed on blood it is actually only the females. Female mosquitoes use the protein obtained from the blood to create eggs to reproduce. Mosquitoes are pretty easy to identify. Their legs are long and their bodies slender. These pests have narrow wings that are covered with hair and an extended mouth used to piercing the skin of their host. Most mosquitoes are black and white, or black and dark brown, however their color will be species specific.

Things To Know About Mosquitoes In North Carolina

Charlotte has its fair share of mosquitoes buzzing around the area. Some of the most common species are common house mosquitoes, common malaria mosquitoes, yellow fever mosquitoes, and Asian tiger mosquitoes. Because of their parasitic nature mosquitoes can be dangerous. They have the potential to transmit a variety of diseases due to them feeding on a variety of hosts. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile and the Zika virus which can be passed on to their hosts. In addition to the diseases mosquitoes can carry, these harmful insects can also transfer parasites to animals as well.

Mosquitoes prefer hot, humid climates. This type of environment is optimal for breeding. In North Carolina, mosquitoes are typically seen in their highest numbers from April to October. Areas that have or are in close proximity to standing water tend to draw in larger numbers of mosquitoes. These pesky insects spend their lives outside; they breed and live outdoors and find their way into homes when searching for food. Mosquitoes are seen resting in grasses and under trees and shrubbery during the day and found in large numbers as the sun starts to set.

There are many things that can be done to ensure your home or business doesn’t fall victim to a mosquito invasion. Standing water draws mosquitoes in so it’s best to eliminate any standing water on your property. Be sure to properly maintain your gutters to prevent the pooling of water which may attract mosquitoes. Filling in areas of your yard that are prone to collecting water as well as moving containers that could collect water are other things you can do to protect your home. Lastly, by limiting the number of flowering plants in and around your home and business, as well as keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible can dramatically reduce the number of mosquitoes.

If you find yourself or your business compromised by the insects that are mosquitoes give CTRL Pest Solutions a call today!