Why Mosquitoes Are A Year-Round Problem In Jacksonville

Lively Jacksonville Beach is the perfect place to spend the day surfing, swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating. Jacksonville is a haven for those who enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful weather: including pests. The Sunshine State has the proper moderate temperature and humidity, making it desirable for everyone's favorite pest, the mosquito. Due to Florida's mild winter, mosquitoes remain active year-round.

The Relationship Between Florida Temperatures And Mosquitoes

Living in Jacksonville, you may have noticed that mosquitoes never really go away. While they might not be as much of an annoyance in winter, they are still present. Just like many of the Jacksonville residents, mosquitoes choose to live here due to the warm weather. Mosquitoes are cold-blooded pests that thrive in climates of 80 degrees or higher. If the temperature is about 50 degrees or warmer, these pests will remain active. Therefore, mosquitoes can still be problematic into October and even November!

Dangers Of Mosquitoes

With six long, slender legs, scaled wings, and tube-like mouthparts for feeding, mosquitos are fly-like insects that are typically brown or black. In Atlanta, three mosquito species commonly infest the area, including the Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes like living near people, while others prefer tall grass, marshes, or forests. All mosquitoes like water because mosquito pupae and larvae live in the water with little to no flow.

Consequences Of A Mosquito Bite

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying; they can transmit numerous diseases through their bites, including; Malaria, Dengue, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Chikungunya. 

In most cases, a mosquito bite will cause symptoms like redness, itching, and swell at the bite site. However, some individuals can become ill after a bite due to infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor:

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Confusion

Common Mosquito Attractants

Though mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe, the following elements increase your risk of suffering a mosquito bite:

• Drinking Alcohol: Drinking raises your heart rate, causing your body to produce more carbon dioxide and emit certain chemicals, both of which attract mosquitoes.

• Wearing the wrong clothing: Dark clothing makes you easily visible than the blue sky and green grass.

• Eating the wrong foods: Potassium and salt-rich foods like avocados and bananas make you smell delicious to mosquitos.

• Exercising: Exercise creates extra carbon dioxide, increases heat, and the saltiness of sweat will certainly attract mosquitoes.

• Type O Blood

• Pregnant Women 

Ways To Reduce Mosquitoes In Jacksonville

Although mosquitoes will always be a part of living in Florida, there are numerous things you can do to lessen the chance of being bitten. What homeowners can do:

• Keep landscapes tidy and neat: Overgrowth, piles of wet leaves, and damp debris in your yard create cool, dark places for mosquitoes to hide during the day.

• Get rid of as much standing water as possible. Empty kiddie pools, pets' outdoor water bowls at the end of the day, ensure fountains are in good working order, and empty and clean out birdbaths frequently. Keep your yard as free from debris as possible to ensure that mosquitoes won't have a place to lay their eggs.

• Ensure gutters aren't blocked with debris and check hoses and spigots for slow leaks that could create puddles.

• Use insect repellent on your skin and clothing by closely following the directions on the label. Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing.

• Keep mosquitoes from entering your Jacksonville home. Regularly empty or throw away anything that holds small amounts of standing water and inspect windows and doors for tears.

Mosquitoes aren't simply an annoyance that makes you sit inside on a nice summer night; they are also dangerous to the health of animals and people. They spread several deadly diseases, including equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, the Zika virus, malaria, and more. Eliminating all mosquitoes' breeding spots from your yard and having professional mosquito control treatments are the best ways to prevent the bites that endanger your family and pets.

The Best Method Of Mosquito Control Is With Lindsey Pest Services

When it comes to protecting you and your loved ones from pesky mosquitoes, you can spend your money on do-it-yourself techniques that most likely won't work, or you have the option of leaving it up to the professionals at Lindsey Pest Services. We guarantee that your pest problem will be taken care of. You and your family deserve to enjoy your outdoor space without having to worry about mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. Working with the right pest control company is the best way to ensure that your family and friends have fun outside throughout the entire year. Call the experts at Lindsey Pest Services today!