How Knowing a Mosquito’s Habitat Can Aid in Mosquito Control

You could ask any mosquito control expert, “what makes a better mosquito habitat? A pond filled with frogs, fish, and other insects or a dog dish that sits undisturbed under a shaded tree in your backyard?” They’ll undoubtedly tell you that the dog dish is by far the more suitable mosquito habitat. It turns out that there’s a lot we can do to reduce local mosquito populations, even if we can’t drain a nearby lake.

To help you eliminate the mosquitoes encroaching on your property, we at Mr. Mister want to begin by dispelling a few popular mosquito myths.

Mosquito Myth Number One: Streams are a major source for mosquito population growth

The truth is, most mosquitoes cannot successfully reproduce in moving water. However, that doesn’t mean streams are mosquito-free. Streams still have plenty of mosquito breeding habitat because mosquitoes only need a small amount of stagnant water to lay a raft of eggs. A mosquito can grow from larva to pupa to adult in the undisturbed puddles near a stream’s edge. But streams are also teeming with mosquito predators. Fish, birds, and reptiles like lizards and frogs all eat mosquitoes. So although there is some mosquito habitat, there is also some natural mosquito control.

Mosquito Myth Number Two: Lakes and Ponds are mosquito factories

Like streams, lakes and ponds are ideal habitats for animals like insects, frogs, spiders, and fish that are the natural predators of mosquitoes. While they may have some areas of water that can support mosquitoes, these larger bodies of water are not known to produce droves of mosquitoes.

Where do mosquitoes live and multiply?

Mosquito larvae thrive in shallow, undisturbed water. The larvae feed on bacteria and organic matter to grow into pupae before eventually growing into bloodthirsty adult mosquitoes. (However, only the females take blood since the protein is used to build eggs, not as nourishment.)

The growth from larvae to pupa takes approximately a week. It is crucial that you dump out any containers or other items in your yard that could hold water for a week or more.

Turn Over Items That Can Collect Water

You should turn over anything around your home that could collect water. Remember that water may come from your sprinkler system or rain. Plant saucers, toys, clogged gutters, and dog bowls are the perfect mosquito breeding grounds.

You should also flip over larger yard items that could also hold water, such as portable sandboxes, baby pools, and trash bins.

Toss Any Lawn Debris

Lawn debris, natural or not, can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed. After you clean up your lawn, quickly remove any fallen leaves, clippings, or other debris that might hold even a little water.

If you’ve stretched a tarp over a boat, grill, or firewood, make sure it is completely taut. If there are any wrinkles, they’re almost 100% likely to be holding water.

Treat Your Yard

For full protection, call Mr. Mister. Our mosquito control methods—including our Clearzone mosquito misting treatment and our automatic mosquito misting systems—are the ideal tools for making your yard a mosquito-free zone.

Remember that these pests are more than just a nuisance. Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases such as Zika, West Nile virus, Malaria, and more.

In addition to eliminating stagnant water sources in your yard, Mr. Mister of Atlanta is your best mosquito control weapon.

We hope you’re finding our Atlanta Mosquito Control blog helpful and informative! For more information on what makes Mr. Mister Atlanta’s premier provider of innovative mosquito control solutions and techniques, click here. Or, visit our Testimonials page to see what some of our satisfied customers are saying.