Mosquitoes
What are mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are small, fly-like insects that are often considered pests. They are known for their itchy bites, which can be painful and sometimes even dangerous. Mosquitoes typically have a dark body with white or light-colored stripes. Their wings are covered in small scales, and they have a long, thin proboscis (mouthpiece) that they use to pierce the skin and drink blood. Mosquitoes are active at night and are attracted to light. They typically lay their eggs in standing water, such as ponds or puddles. When the eggs hatch, the larvae (young mosquitoes) live in the water until they mature into adults. Some species of mosquito can travel long distances, while others are more likely to stay close to their breeding grounds. In either case, mosquitoes can be a nuisance for people and animals alike. Fortunately, there are many ways to control them, including using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water from your property. If you're having trouble getting rid of mosquitoes, contact Bigfoot Home Services for help!
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
You might not think twice about swatting a mosquito, but these tiny pests can actually be quite dangerous. Mosquitoes are carriers of diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever, and they infect millions of people every year. In fact, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal on the planet. But there's no need to panic - there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from these fearsome creatures. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellent can help to keep them at bay, and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn) is also a good idea. If you're really serious about avoiding mosquitoes, you can even move to a place with fewer mosquitoes - like Antarctica!
Why do I have a mosquito problem?
Have you ever wondered why you have a mosquito problem? If so, you're in luck, because today we're going to answer that very question. There are three main reasons why mosquitoes are attracted to people: blood, body heat, and carbon dioxide. Blood is like a buffet for mosquitoes, and they can smell it from far away. Body heat helps them locate their prey, and carbon dioxide is like a homing beacon that guides them straight to their next meal. So if you're wondering why you have a mosquito problem, it's because you're basically a walking buffet for these little pests. But don't worry, there are ways to keep them away. Wearing mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing long sleeves and pants can all help reduce your chances of being bitten by these pesky critters.
Where will I find mosquitoes?
There's no need to worry about where to find mosquitoes. They'll find you. In fact, they're probably already lurking nearby, just waiting for the opportunity to strike. Mosquitoes are attracted to warm bodies of water, so they're often found near ponds, lakes, and marshes. They also like areas with tall grasses and bushes, as these provide hiding places during the day.
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are one of the hardest pests to fully get rid of. We've got some tips for you here, but just be aware that a lot of these are either a pain, or not entirely effective. The best way to get your mosquito problem under control is to bring in the professionals.
- Install mosquito netting around your patio or porch to create a barrier against these flying insects.
- Use mosquito-repellent candles or lanterns to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor gathering space.
- Plant Citronella around your yard or garden - this fragrant herb is known to repel mosquitoes.
- Get rid of standing water in your yard, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Drain any birdbaths, kiddie pools, or other containers that may be holding water.
- Call in the professionals! Our team at Bigfoot Home Services specializes in mosquito control, and we would be happy to help you enjoy a pest-free summer season. Give us a call today!
FAQ
Picking the right pest control provider for your home isn't a decision you should make all willy nilly. We are confident that we provide the best service for the best value in the game, and we want you to feel that confidence as well. These are some of the most common questions we hear from new customers.
If you have any questions that aren't answered here, you can contact us through the form below, or by clicking the chat bubble in the bottom right.
Absolutely! Our word is our bond, so when we say we'll get rid of your pest problems, we are dead serious about that. If you see bugs between quarterly treatments, don't hesitate to text, call, or email our office so we can get a technician out to you ASAP.
If you see increased activity after a treatment, that usually means the bugs are freaking out because they know the end is nigh. The products we use have been scientifically designed for the long game. They don't kill on contact, they kill by sticking to bugs and letting them do the dirty work for us. Pests carry the insecticide back to the nest and spread it to the others, effectively wiping out the community, instead of individual bugs.
Our top-notch products usually take about two weeks to reach maximum effectiveness. If you have any concerns before or after that two week period, don't hesitate to text, call, or email our office so we can get a technician to your home to check on things.
Hate to break it to you, but that little can of Raid isn't going to cut it. You might kill a wasp or spider here and there, but there's a much bigger picture that you can't understand if you're not trained in the ways of the pest. As a matter of fact, if you kill a few pests, the hive can begin to sense that they are under attack and actually go into baby-making overdrive to offset the onslaught. That's why the products we use take time to spread. By the time the pests notice something is wrong, it's too late. Pest control is based on years of science, testing, and experimentation with products and application methods 1000x more advanced than the can of bug spray you got at Home Depot.
Unfortunately, bugs have a few million extra years of evolutionary survival skills on us, which makes them tricky little... buggers. It's impossible to kill every last bug, or prevent a single one from coming back. That's why we advocate for quarterly pest treatment: it's simply the best way to be bug-free in the long term. Bugs can still scurry, crawl, or fly into your home at any time, and that's why we offer free re-services between treatments. If the bugs come back, so do we.
We'll play it by eye, but it's typically unnecessary. 99% of the battle against pests is fought and won outdoors. We hit them hard at the source (outside), then create and maintain a barrier around your home to keep these pesky suckers out of your humble abode. Most of the time, only one of four yearly services will require indoor treatment, but we will always treat indoors if you see pest activity, or if you just want some extra peace of mind. We're not afraid to go the extra mile –anytime, anywhere.
Of course! We get it, pesticides have a bad rap and sound kind scary. You're trying to protect your family, so it would really suck if our products were more dangerous than the pests we're obliterating with them. Have no fear, the pesticides we use are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, meaning they've been through a ton of rigorous tests to ensure they are safe for humans and animals alike. But we don't stop there, all of our technicians are highly trained and certified when it comes to the products and methods of application.
In our decades of experience, we've learned that one-time services end up being ineffective in the long run, and we don't want to mess with things that don't make your home a happier and safer place. Quarterly service allows us to maintain our Level Five barrier around your home, ensuring that these stupid bugs don't ever make it to the warmth and safety of the indoors of your home.
Long story short, it's (usually) a waste of your money and our time. Bugs are always active, but considerably less active in the winter months, and almost totally inactive outdoors. Don't worry though, we won't leave you hanging. If you notice a pest problem crop up inside your house from December–February, we'll be there to lay the smack down before you can say, "Jiminy Christmas!"
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If you have any questions about what's included in the services we offer, don't hesitate to reach out!
