Beyond being irritating, mosquitoes also pose a potential health risk. Their bites can transmit viruses, including West Nile, Zika, and St. Louis encephalitis. For that reason, homeowners should strive to keep them from making their yards a home. Take the first step by effectively eliminating their breeding ground with this handy guide. 

The Mosquito Breeding Cycle

Of all the species pest control specialists deal with, mosquitoes have one of the fastest breeding cycles. An adult female can have up to 300 eggs at one time. These eggs hatch within two days and enter the larvae (or wiggler) stage; there, they stay for four to 14 days. Finally, they develop into pupae for a one to four day period before growing wings and becoming adults. 

The entire evolution from egg to adult usually takes under a month. Considering the high number of eggs they can each lay, you can quickly end up with an out-of-control infestation. 

What They Look for in a Nest

The first three stages of the breeding cycle require moisture. Typically, mosquitoes look for standing water, but they'll also accept wet soil and tall, thick grass. The amount of water available also doesn't have to be significant. Common nest locations include birdbaths, puddles, and flower pots. 

How to Prevent Them From Laying Eggs

Start by eliminating opportunities for standing water in your yard. Remove or cover fixtures that hold water, like empty plant pots and rainwater barrels. For products that need to be exposed, like birdbaths and small ponds, install a pump to keep the surface moving. 

Many sources of moisture are unavoidable, such as gardens. For that reason, also utilize the services of a pest control specialist. Depending on the level of risk of infestation, there are a few different treatments available. 

One of the most effective is the IN2Care® System. The trap's scent attracts the pests. The larvicide it produces gets taken back by the mosquitoes to their nests, killing all wigglers while simultaneously infecting the carrier with the deadly fungus. After being strategically placed, the hands-off system reduces mosquito populations by up to 95%.

 

Protect your home and loved ones from mosquitoes with the help of Hi-Tech Pest Pros. Residents across the Greater Houston, TX, area rely on the professionals for year-round assistance. From insects to rodent removal, the pest control experts are committed to providing personalized, dependable solutions. Review their offerings online. Request a consultation at (281) 335-5725.