Mosquitoes: A Guide To Identification, Prevention, And Control In Longview

In Texas, mosquito season can be a frustrating time for many homeowners. These tiny blood-feeding bugs are not only bothersome and annoying but can also cause you and your pets to become seriously ill. 

If you have mosquitoes swarming around your home, Gecko Pest Control can help you regain control of your yard. Our Longview pest control specialists know the latest mosquito control techniques to use that are effective and can make your property mosquito-free for good. 

How To Identify A Mosquito

Mosquitoes have a distinctive appearance. They are small and usually only measure around ¼ of an inch long. They have thin bodies that are black or gray and can have white markings, and they have long legs that can also have markings. Their bodies usually have a curve or a hump on the back and have a long thin mouthpiece called a proboscis that looks similar to a needle.

Even though mosquitoes are small, they tend to make a loud buzzing sound. If you hear a high-pitched buzzing sound around you when outdoors, you probably have a mosquito hovering around. 

Mosquito Dangers: Itchy Bites, Allergic Reactions, And Diseases

If you are one of the many unlucky people who have been bitten by a mosquito, you understand the severe itchiness that can accompany a mosquito bite. Usually, when a mosquito bites you, it will leave a small, itchy red bump on your skin that can be irritating but will usually go away on its own in a few days. 

When a mosquito bites you, it injects a small amount of saliva into your body while it is siphoning out your blood. Some people have been known to be allergic to mosquito saliva. If you are allergic to a mosquito bite, you may experience extreme swelling that makes it difficult to move and might also require medical intervention. 

Mosquitoes are also known to spread a wide range of dangerous illnesses, which include dengue, chikungunya, tularemia, encephalitis, and West Nile virus. While these diseases should be taken seriously, they are not the most dangerous illnesses that mosquitoes are known to carry. Certain illnesses like the Zika virus and malaria are not spread by mosquitoes in Texas or anywhere else in the United States.

Prevention Is Key: Tips And Tricks To Deter Mosquitoes

The best way to ensure that you are not bitten by one of these flying insects is to prevent the mosquitoes from coming into your yard in the first place. Some of the things that you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your home include:

• Eliminating any standing water around your house
• Ensuring that the grass in your yard is not too tall
• Reduce the amount of vegetation in your yard 
• Wear insect repellent when outdoors. 

Mosquitoes are usually the most active at dawn when the sun rises and at dusk when it goes down. If you want to reduce your chances of getting bit by a mosquito, try to avoid going outside at these times and protect yourself by wearing the proper clothing and using insect repellent.

 At Gecko Pest Control, we have comprehensive mosquito control solutions that can eliminate the mosquitoes from your Longview yard and keep them from returning. Our technicians will develop a customized plan that fits your needs and budget. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and receive a free quote.