Mosquito

What does Mosquito look like?

These flying insects are recognizable by their slender bodies, long legs, and narrow wings, with females typically feeding on blood to lay their eggs.

Information About Mosquitoes

Locale On Property
Mosquitoes are drawn to water sources on a property as they provide hydration as well as a hospitable area
to lay eggs. This means properties with an abundance of water and flowers are likely to attract mosquitoes. Even plants will attract mosquitoes.

Description
They are mostly grey in colour with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales.

Concerns
The risk of developing a serious disease is the most dangerous outcome of a mosquito bite. There are several harmful infections that mosquitoes can carry and transmit, including: Malaria: Parasites cause this life-threatening disease by infecting and destroying red blood cells.

Mosquitoes infect humans with the Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue, malaria, and other diseases. Mosquitoes have bedevilled humans for centuries, spreading disease and death to millions. Today, the latest plague they bring is the Zika virus.

Mosquito Control – Health Risks and How to Keep Them Away

Mosquitoes are one of the most widespread and annoying pests across the globe. But beyond their itchy bites, they pose real health risks by transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and in some regions, even malaria. Keeping mosquitoes out of your home and yard isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety.

There are over 80 mosquito species in Canada and hundreds more across North America, many of which are capable of transmitting disease.

This guide will help you identify mosquito breeding grounds, understand their behavior, and take practical steps for mosquito control and prevention.

Where Do Mosquitoes Breed?

Mosquitoes require standing water to lay eggs. A single female mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs in just a small amount of water, making backyard sources a prime concern.

Common Breeding Grounds Include:

• Birdbaths and pet water bowls
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Old tires and buckets
• Potted plant saucers
• Ponds, pools, and drainage ditches

By identifying and removing these breeding sources, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Around Your Home

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Empty and clean containers that collect water, including birdbaths, flower pots, and pool covers. This is the most effective way to disrupt the mosquito life cycle.

2. Maintain Your Yard

Keep grass trimmed and remove overgrown vegetation where mosquitoes can hide during the heat of the day. Prune bushes and clean up leaf litter regularly.

3. Install Screens and Use Door Seals

Prevent mosquitoes from getting indoors by repairing torn window screens, installing door sweeps, and sealing cracks around doors and windows.

4. Use Mosquito Repellents

• Personal repellents: Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective when applied to exposed skin.
• Outdoor deterrents: Mosquito-repelling torches, candles, and coils can help during outdoor gatherings.
• Mosquito traps: Install carbon dioxide or UV-light traps in your yard to capture and reduce mosquito populations.

5. Apply Larvicides (If Necessary)

If you have standing water that cannot be drained (e.g., ornamental ponds), mosquito dunks or larvicides can be used to kill larvae before they become biting adults. Always follow product instructions.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes Long-Term

Effective mosquito prevention combines regular maintenance with seasonal awareness. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean gutters and drainage areas at the start of each season
• Cover or store outdoor containers when not in use
• Aerate decorative ponds or stock them with mosquito-eating fish
• Schedule routine pest control inspections, especially during spring and summer

When to Call a Professional for Mosquito Control

If mosquitoes continue to be a problem despite your efforts, or if your property has large or inaccessible breeding grounds, professional treatment may be the best solution. Pest control professionals offer:

• Yard fogging or misting treatments for immediate relief
• Targeted larvicide applications
• Seasonal mosquito control plans for long-term protection

Mosquitoes are more than just a backyard annoyance — they’re a potential health risk. Fortunately, with the right mosquito control strategies, you can dramatically reduce their presence around your home and yard.

Avayda Pest Control provides customized mosquito treatment plans designed to eliminate breeding areas, reduce adult populations, and keep your property mosquito-free. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.