If you live in Eastern North Carolina or Tidewater Virginia, you know that mosquito season is no joke. These tiny bloodsuckers can quickly ruin your outdoor fun, leaving you with itchy, swollen bites. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the types of mosquitoes found in North Carolina and Virginia, and some DIY tips for getting rid of these pesky insects.
The Usual Suspects
There are several species of mosquitoes that are commonly found in North Carolina and Virginia. The most prevalent species include:
- Asian Tiger Mosquito: This species is easily recognizable by its black and white striped legs. They are known to bite aggressively during the day and are capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
- Common House Mosquito: This species is commonly found in both rural and urban areas and is known to transmit West Nile virus.
- Marsh Mosquitoes: This species is commonly found in rural areas and is capable of transmitting malaria.
Fatal Attractions
Mosquitoes are attracted to a variety of things, including:
- Carbon dioxide: Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide from up to 50 meters away, making it one of their primary methods for detecting potential hosts.
- Body heat: Mosquitoes are also attracted to the heat given off by our bodies.
- Lactic acid: When we sweat, we release lactic acid, which is another attractant for mosquitoes.
- Dark clothing: Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark-colored clothing, so wearing lighter colors may help reduce your attractiveness to them.
Shots Fired: Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting a variety of diseases to humans through their bites. In North Carolina and Virginia, the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include:
- West Nile virus: This virus can cause fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
- Zika virus: Zika virus can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects.
- Dengue fever: This virus can cause fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
Beat The Bite
If you’re looking to reduce the mosquito population around your home, there are several DIY methods you can try:
- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of standing water around your home, such as bird baths, flower pots, and gutters.
- Use mosquito repellent: Mosquito repellent can help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Look for products that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Install screens: Installing screens on your windows and doors can help keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Use fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so using fans can help keep them away from you.
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants: Some plants, such as citronella and lavender, are natural mosquito repellents.
Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes with Terminix
If you’ve tried DIY methods and still can’t get rid of mosquitoes, it’s time to call in the professionals. Terminix offers mosquito control services to help eliminate mosquitoes from your home and yard. Our trained technicians will inspect your property and develop a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.
So don’t wait, contact Terminix today to schedule your free home pest inspection and say goodbye to mosquitoes for good.