Why So Many More Mosquitoes After It Rains? Blame It On Water.

Irritating, itchy, ugly, blood-sucking mosquitoes. Why do they come out in droves after it rains? Wet weather often means we’re in for a trying time full of mosquito bites. The reason is simple; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. You’ve spent time and money creating an enjoyable outdoor living space for your family. Whether you’re hosting an event, your children are playing outside, or you just want to relax, there’s nothing worse than being chased indoors by pesky mosquitoes! GREENSKEEPER will help to defend your yard.
Rainfall = Mosquito Breeding
Keep in mind that significant rainfall will likely mean an outbreak in mosquito activity, especially if puddles have been left alone for baby mosquitoes to hatch in. Frequent rain can wash out the eggs that have been laid, but mosquitoes are smarter than we give them credit for. All a female mosquito needs is an inch of water to lay batches of 100 to 200 eggs. Once she has laid her eggs, they hatch into larvae within 24 to 48 hours.
When Do Mosquitoes Become a Problem?
You may be wondering at what point you have a problem. While EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis), Chikungunya, and Canine Heartworm have had only a slight impact, the most common mosquito-borne illness in PA has been caused by West Nile Virus. Whether it is a health concern or an annoyance, many people find that these pests become a problem after spotting just a few. We want to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard for your comfort and safety. If you begin noticing more, keep an eye out for breeding grounds that could lead to bigger issues and contact GREENSKEEPER right away to schedule Mosquito Management services.
Where Are Those Mosquitoes Hiding?
Considering how common it is for mosquito populations to increase after a storm, it’s important that water isn’t left to stagnate. Homeowners should properly manage any sources of standing water outside your home and be mindful of these pests if you live near a body of water. Take these steps in your neighborhood to reduce mosquito populations:
- Remove plastic containers, ceramic pots, buckets or any object that could collect standing water.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling or trash containers left outdoors.
- Have roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if leaves have a tendency to clog the drains.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not let water stagnate in bird baths.
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with a product containing BTI – a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
How Can GREENSKEEPER Help?
Step 1: Find Them – First, we inspect your yard for hard to spot breeding sites to ensure that those little suckers can’t multiply.
Step 2: Stop Them – Next, we’ll apply a plant friendly product to the bushes, trees, and other areas where the mosquitoes rest. This reduces the population and drives mosquitoes away.
Step 3: Keep On Them – Regular service program applications are the best way to keep the mosquito population at bay however, we can also perform a one-time service for special events such as weddings and holiday parties.
Mosquito Control Services from The Professionals
The recent flooding rains create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. More rain means more potential for puddles, and more potential for mosquito breeding. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions for all outdoor pests, including specialized treatments for mosquitoes. To request a free pest inspection, or to get started with mosquito control services for your home, click to contact the mosquito control experts at GREENSKEEPER today!