These real-life vampires don’t need to wait until nightfall to strike, and they’re planning to invade an outdoor party near you—maybe the one right in your backyard!
Only a few months into the summer season, the presence of mosquitoes can already be felt, quite literally, all throughout the southern U.S. Here in South Carolina, mosquitoes aren't just annoying backyard pests, but dangerous health hazards that are capable of spreading serious diseases. The short list of human illnesses that can be spread through a mosquito bite include:
- Zika virus
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- West Nile virus
- Tularemia
- Yellow fever
- Encephalitis
If you have any sort of mosquito presence on or around your property, you may be putting yourself and your family at risk for serious health concerns. Taking preventative action immediately is the best next step.
DIY Mosquito Control That Does (And Doesn’t) Work
If there was one secret we could divulge to our Aiken homeowners, it’s that effective mosquito control always begins with you. Residents of South Carolina should begin treating their homes for mosquito populations as soon as possible. Some ways that homeowners try to reduce mosquito populations on their own are ineffective at best and detrimental at worst:
- Certain types of bug sprays, especially those that rely on strong odors, are often only effective to a small degree (if at all).
- Tiki torches may be a great accent piece at your next outdoor barbecue, but such structures will not keep large populations of mosquitoes away from your guests.
- Citronella candles have been a long-enthused home remedy for mosquito control, but these plant-based candles may attract more mosquitoes than they disseminate.
Despite the rampant misinformation, there are still many things Aiken homeowners can do to reduce the effect of summer mosquitoes on their properties. These include:
- Removing standing water from all places in the yard, including puddles and ditches, birdbaths, and stagnant fountains.
- Trimming hedges, pruning bushes, and otherwise cutting back overgrown greenery is an excellent method of reducing harborage zones around the lawn. Be sure to pay special attention to landscaping zones near the sides of the home, and trim all vegetation back accordingly.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing during the summer is not everyone's opinion of a good time, but unless all uncovered skin is protected, homeowners may be covered in itchy bites. Make sure that the clothes you wear are not too tight, which will prevent these bloodthirsty pests from biting through stretched fabric.
Not sure where the mosquitoes on your lawn are coming from, despite all your hard work? Let a professional come to your aid with one of Aiken Pest Control’s free home inspections.
How Professional Mosquito Abatement Can’t Be Beat
While DIY mosquito prevention is the first step towards effective pest abatement, it most certainly is not the last. Professional mosquito treatments through Aiken Pest Control work hand-in-hand with your efforts, creating a barrier around your property with seven monthly services that attack mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. After a thorough inspection of your property, our service agents will recommend a strategy of exterior treatment that works fast to produce results. From April through October, your home will receive nothing but the best of professional pest control. Your family will be safe to enjoy the lawn you so carefully attend to.
Mosquitoes are both annoying and dangerous pests to keep around, especially as long summer days allow these pests to breed and feed entirely unchecked. For more advice and assistance with mosquito control efforts, contact Aiken Pest Control right away. We’re dedicated to keeping your family safe and protected from mosquito-borne illnesses all summer long.