Mosquito, meaning “little fly,” is also synonymous with pest. Their fly-like appearance can be misleading. Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous insects in the world. With approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes globally, there are only about 176 species found in the United States. The most common species in Memphis, Tennessee, are Asian tiger mosquitoes, yellow fever mosquitoes, and house container mosquitoes.

Their thin bodies appear in a variety of different colors, from black to brown and black and white. They range in size from ¼ and 3/8 of an inch and have six long legs. The average life span of a mosquito is seven days, and their most active season is usually between April and October. During this time, mosquitos can wreak havoc in your backyard.

Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes

Female mosquitos use their straw-like mouths to suck blood. It is only the females that bite, spreading some of the deadliest diseases on the planet. In developing countries with a warm climate, mosquitoes spread malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. In the United States, mosquitoes are known to spread the following diseases:

Zika virus
West Nile virus
Encephalitis
Heartworm disease (to dogs)

Anyone in Memphis knows how difficult it is to deal with mosquitoes, especially in the summer months. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate mosquitoes from your yard, you can reduce them by knowing what attracts them and what deters them.

Keeping Your Yard Mosquito Free

Mosquitoes are attracted to several controllable factors both in your yard and to people. In your yard, look for the following:

Tall grass and bushes that block the sun because mosquitoes prefer shade. Keep your lawn and foliage trimmed to minimize this factor.
Standing water is a breeding site for mosquitoes. They only need a few inches of water to breed successfully. To combat this, check plants that hold water and maintain your gutters so they are not clogged. If you have a birdbath on your property, make sure to change the water when necessary.
Specific plans such as lilies, taro, and water hyacinths attract mosquitoes because they grow in water or near water.
Instead, plant citronella, marigold, lavender, or basil as they repel mosquitoes.
Allow natural predators in your yard like birds, bats, and spiders.
When spending time outside, be mindful of the clothes you wear and the time of day you are out. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and are least active during the afternoon, the sunniest time of day.
Mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat and carbon-dioxide. Some people naturally sweat more and breathe more carbon-dioxide, but it can help to shower and change your clothes before going outside if you are sweating a lot.
It would help if you also considered the beverages you consume before going outside because mosquitoes are attracted to alcohol, especially beer.

When you are outside, you can wear insect repellent to give you an extra layer of protection.

Unfortunately, you can do everything right and still face excess mosquitoes in your yard. This is maybe because your neighbors are not taking the necessary precautions. When considering pest control, it is always a good idea to check with and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Professional Mosquito Control

If you have excessive mosquitoes in your yard, contact Mid-South Pest & Termite experts. For info and the best mosquito protection in Memphis, Tennessee, Mid-South Pest & Termite is your go-to source. Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your summer, invest in a mosquito prevention plan today!