mosquitos

DIY Mosquito Control

The control of mosquitos can become very complicated for homeowners and professionals alike as the insect can adapt to changing conditions. Mosquitos can quickly fly away depositing eggs in another area close by. Pesticides may become displaced in heavy rains but there are options available. 

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WHAT MOSQUITOS DO

Mosquitoes are one of the most significant concerns for disease. Mosquitoes have adapted to thrive in an urban environment. Mosquitos have also evolved into becoming a major nuisance in residential backyards from one year to the next.  According to the CDC, mosquitos are responsible for the transmission of West Nile virus, Zika virus and encephalitis.

Female mosquitoes feed on blood for egg development. The males do not feed on blood. Mosquitoes are extremely annoying to humans as they bite, posing a significant threat due to their ability to transmit diseases. As a food source for many creatures, mosquitos also play an important role in nature.


MOSQUITO BITES

Usually, a mosquito bite appears like a small, inflamed, and itchy bump. Some people may react more intensely if they are allergic. While the mosquito bite itself is harmless, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Zika through the bite. Due to this risk, it's wise to use an insect repellant when outdoors to help prevent mosquitos from biting you. If you feel a mosquito bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible.


MOSQUITO LIFESTYLE

Mosquito populations are typically concentrated near areas where standing water can be found. Due to reproduction, mosquito eggs need water in order to hatch and thrive. Some species of mosquito lay their eggs directly in the water, while other species deposit their eggs in moist soil, out of direct sunlight. When the soil becomes flooded with water the eggs then hatch. The "floodwater" species of mosquitos lay their eggs in autumn, remaining dormant throughout the winter then, hatch during spring when rains fill the areas. A female mosquito will produce up to 200 eggs at a time that will easily developes into an infestation anywhere.


PREVENTING MOSQUITOS

STANDING WATER
Uncirculated water, ponds, fountains, retention ponds, birdbaths, and old tires.

MOIST CONDITIONS
Tree wells, tree holes, flowerbeds, plant containers, decorative pots, sprinklers.

RESTING AREAS
Any surface protected from wind and direct sunlight that retian higher levels of moisture. Take into consideration areas underneath decks and porches, the underside leaves, eaves, and gazebos.

One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquito populations from forming is to simply empty or throw out anything that could collect or retain standing water, like buckets, lids, old tires, etc. It is a well-known fact that mosquito infestations can start out of a single cap from a soda bottle. Another way to go about preventing mosquitos around your home is to use the traditional bug zappers. These are useful when hung or placed around porches and patios. Most insects are naturally attracted to light so it makes sense to attract them with bug zappers. When outdoors natural as well as conventional bug sprays will help knock down the total number of bites but understand most retail products are shy of long-term control. many of these retail products have a very low dose of active ingredients allowing their effectiveness to only last a few minutes to a few hours at best.  If a mosquito infestation seems out of your control, give Gladhill ervices a call. We can evaluate the situation for you, seek out the breeding sites and develop a solution to deal resolve your problem as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Pests Inside Your Home

When it comes to household insects most are of little concern. Unless, that is, you fear them. With only a handful of household pests actually being capable of harming you, it's good to know which ones you should be cautious of.

When it comes to household insects most are of little concern. Unless, that is, you fear them. With only a handful of household pests actually being capable of harming you, it's good to know which ones you should be cautious of.

For multiple reasons, people may fear ants or spiders in general. Some might freak out at the mere sight of a cockroach or silverfish scurrying through the pages of an old book that hasn't been open in years. Even though most insects cannot hurt you in any way, people fear them. As with anything, knowledge and insight fosters a greater understanding and thus this post. As a pest professional, I have spent more time over the years educating the public about insects than preventing or eliminating them. Fact is, insects serve a purpose and killing them is not always the way to go about resolving your fears. Instead, pest prevention is vital for not only their survival but, in limiting the frightful feelings you may experience when coming face to face with one. I have created the top 5 most dangerous insects to have inside your home. 


Mosquitos, Gnats, and Midges Oh My...

A swarm of gnats can be frustrating especially when your trying to enjoy nature or a backyard picnic. When a swarm of gnats are observed from a distance the result is cinematic but, when you're caught up within the swarm it's not so enjoyable. So, just why do gnats swarm in the first place, and is it even possible to keep them away?

The terms, gnat, and midge are used to describe numerous small, biting and non-biting insects. The list includes, sand flies, phorid flies, black gnats, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and buffalo gnats. Truth is gnats only live about one month and in th…

The terms, gnat, and midge are used to describe numerous small, biting and non-biting insects. The list includes, sand flies, phorid flies, black gnats, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and buffalo gnats. Truth is gnats only live about one month and in this short life span they only have enough time to mate and lay their eggs. Many don't even feed during this time. 

What gnats, mosquitos, and midges like

For the gnat species that do feed during their life cycle, sweet scents and fruity odors are major influencers in determining where they will swarm. Fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and even some flower beds are common places gnats congregate to form swarms. As you open and close the doors and windows to your house, gnats, mosquitos and midges may find their way inside as they are attracted to ripening fruits, sweet scented veggies, and organic food matter. For the ladies to remember, these nuisance pests are especially attracted to scented shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, and soaps used for bathing and such. Gnats typically swarm around your face due to these scented products. 

Ever wonder why gnats usually fly right into your eyes or land on your lips?
It's because they love heat and moisture too.

Both inside and out, gnats spawn in wet areas. Even moist soil is a breeding ground for certain types of gnats. Inside your kitchen and bathroom, and if gnats make their way inside, can fly into the drains and begin breeding. Before you know it and without warning you'll have a ghost - what many professionals refer to a gnat swarm by. 

Keeping Gnats Away

1) Keep areas clean

Below you will find 3 steps that will help rid both inside and outside of your home from swarming gnats. Nature is nature with it's weather so remain calm and follow the 3 steps outlined to begin minimizing any swarms you may currently have. In no time at all, you'll begin to witness a reduction in swarming behavior. 

Don’t allow fruits, candies or even ripening veggies to accumulate in your kitchen too long. Artificial sweeteners and sweet drinks left to sit out will be a lure for gnats to swarm. Clean any food or drinks that spill and keep lids sealed on all trash cans.

2) Eliminate moisture

Gnats love moisture and wet areas - this is where they breed so eliminate areas of moisture by preventing water from collecting around your home. This includes areas like your spouting and gutters, pet bowls, and birdbaths.. Any plumbing leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible. 

3) Trap gnats

You can try capturing gnats using a simple and homemade gnat trap with a mixture of red wine (or vinegar,) and dish soap. Mix the wine and soap in a bowl and set it out in an area where gnats are active. More often than not, gnats will land in the mix and due to surface tension of the soap will usually drown. Depending on the type of gnat the success of this method will vary.