One interesting and little-known fact that many people do not know: Only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, so the femmes fatales are the ones that humans need to avoid.

Sunday, August 20 is National Mosquito Day. Clark, your friendly pest, mosquito, termite, and rodent control – and lawn care – expert, is here to answer your mosquito questions and share tips on measures you can take to prevent these annoying pests from spoiling your outdoor fun.

California mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases. These include Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria. More than 50 species of mosquitoes are found in California, from low-lying deserts to mountain meadows above 10,000 feet. Many of these species are relatively uncommon and seldom endanger human health. The mosquitoes that do pose a threat to Californians are of the genera Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles.

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of standing water. This is why it’s important to regularly check your property for containers – e.g., flowerpots, bird baths, garbage or recycling cans, children’s sandboxes – that could be collecting water and providing a place for mosquitoes to breed.

Even though mosquitoes are considered one of summer’s most active pests, they also can thrive in the fall. They can remain active as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees.

Mosquito prevention tips

You can take several steps to prevent mosquitoes from infesting your home and yard. Here are some important tips for mosquito prevention:

Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any sources of stagnant water around your property. Check and empty containers like flowerpots, buckets, clogged gutters, and bird baths on a regular basis.

Avoid overwatering: Manage irrigation systems regularly to prevent overwatering, which can lead to standing water and mosquito breeding.

Use mosquito repellents: Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin whenever you are outdoors.

Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Use fans: Oddly enough, mosquitoes are weak fliers. Keeping fans running on your patio or outdoor area can help push them away.

Maintain landscaping: Keep your lawn and shrubs well maintained. Trim tall grass and bushes to reduce resting spots for mosquitoes. Consider using mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and marigold in your landscaping.

Mosquito-proof your home: Seal gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and walls to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Keep mosquitoes from getting inside by making sure that all doors and windows have intact screens without holes or tears.

Clean your gutters: Clean out gutters regularly to prevent water from pooling so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Check for hidden pooling: Regularly inspect your property for hidden sources of standing water, such as tarps, discarded containers, and tire swings.

Got mosquito questions? Call Clark

When you need backyard mosquito control, call California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert. Be sure to ask about Clark’s Swat-Away mosquito service, or simply schedule your free inspection today. Call (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home.