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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects around; not only is their high pitched buzzing annoying, but so is the itching caused by their bites.
Signs of a mosquito problem
If the sight of a mosquito buzzing past your nose isn’t enough to convince you that you have a problem, here are some other signs of a mosquito infestation to look out for:
- Buzzing sound: mosquitoes often make that all-too-familiar high pitched whine.
- Mosquito bites: being bitten by a mosquito is an obvious giveaway, and bites range from mildly irritating and itchy to intensely inflamed with swelling.
- Live mosquitoes: you might spot them walking upside down on ceilings and glass surfaces.
- Low lying grass or foliage: Mosquitoes might also be attracted to your lawn or shrubbery if it is well watered.
- Still standing water: adults are attracted to still-standing water including, water trays from house plants and water bowls, where they lay their eggs.
Did you know that only the female mosquitoes bite humans? Male mosquitoes will feed off nectar and other sweet things.
Need professional treatment for mosquitoes?
A serious mosquito problem will often require the help of a professional pest control expert. Rentokil is able to provide localised relief and repellent solutions for mosquito problems.
At Rentokil, we offer services to control all types of biting insects, including mosquitoes. Contact us for advice and solutions on how to get rid of mosquitoes on your property.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
There is a greater risk of mosquito bites when you are outdoors and from dusk into night-time, as this is when many biting insects are most active.
Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent mosquito bites when you are outdoors:
- Avoid bright colours: Don’t wear bright colours or use strong scents such as perfumes and deodorants as these attract insects.
- Reduce exposed skin: by wearing long sleeves, trousers, footwear and hats.
- Use insect repellent sprays on exposed skin and mosquito repellent products or candles when sitting.
- Avoid areas with water: stay clear of slow moving or stagnant water.
- Tuck trousers into socks when hiking through rough grass and avoid brushing through long grass or bushes.
If you do however experience a mosquito bite (or two), you should avoid scratching as scratching will just intensify the itch, and use a cold compress such as ice in a cloth to reduce the swelling. Antihistamine creams and tablets (“hayfever” tablets) can also relieve the itch and swelling.
Did you know?
Female mosquitoes can produce some 30 - 300 eggs within several days to two weeks after a blood meal
Tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes
Don’t you just wish that mosquitoes would buzz off? There are a couple of things you can do around your home or business to get rid of mosquitoes before they move indoors:
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Keep grass and weeds trimmed - Mosquitoes spend their time resting on low-lying vegetation during the day because the higher humidity levels allow them to survive daytime temperatures without drying out. Be sure to keep vegetation and lawns trimmed, and don’t allow weeds to grow uncontrolled.
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Remove stagnant water in and around your property - Since mosquitoes prefer to breed in warm and damp conditions, the best way to get rid of mosquitoes is by removing any evidence of stagnant water; for example still-standing water in watering cans or in buckets.
Furthermore, ensure that your drains are kept clear and running and treat drains that could contain mosquitoes with bleach. Check that there aren’t any blockages in gutters and water gullies and cover water butts with a lid. -
Natural predators and repellents - Introduce goldfish into garden ponds. Goldfish are a great form of natural pest control as they feed on mosquito larvae.
Another route is using natural repellents such as citronella, neem oil, peppermint oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, witch hazel, garlic, lavender and vanilla extract. Alternatively, you can also plant the above mentioned plants beside windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.