When To Call The Pros For Mosquito & Wildlife Control: VA Experts Weigh In

After a long day of work, sometimes it’s nice to unwind in the embrace of nature, so you pull out your favorite lawn chair and get ready to relax to the gentle chirping of crickets. But instead of crickets, you hear the low whine of a mosquito, and it’s buzzing right in your ear…and you proceed to spend the rest of the evening slapping the pests off of you.

If that sounds familiar, you probably have a mosquito infestation on your hands. But don’t worry! Experts like Connor’s Pest Pros can tell you how to keep the insects away - and when it’s time to call a professional.

The Deadliest Animal on Earth

If you were asked to think of the deadliest animal in the world, something more obvious would come to mind, right? Something like bears, sharks, or rattlesnakes. But actually, one of humanity’s biggest threats is very tiny. 

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth, and they are responsible for nearly one million deaths annually. As vectors of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus, mosquitoes are considered public health threats around the world, and even a small number of infected individuals has the potential to start outbreaks in communities.

Mosquito Behaviors and What You Can Do to Stop Them

The key to stopping your enemy is knowing them. In the case of the mosquito, they’ve got some very stark habits. Most mosquito species are crepuscular, meaning they tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. During the hotter daylight hours, they take shelter in bushes, under dead leaves, under rocks, and in tall grass - all of which are commonly found in a typical garden. 

Additionally, because they rely on standing water to reproduce, they will be attracted to residences with stagnant ponds and puddles.

That doesn’t mean you have to shave off every bush or drain all your ponds, because those pests will probably set up camp somewhere close by - and your neighbor likely won’t appreciate you cutting down their shrubs! But Connor’s Pest Pros says that doing something as simple as emptying sources of still water every seven days can really disrupt mosquito life cycles. This will do a number on their population, and you’re likely to see fewer mosquitoes in as little as a month!

When to Call a Pro

Although you can take measures to make your outdoor spaces less attractive to mosquitoes, professional exterminators, such as Connor’s Pest Pros, will have more extensive knowledge on mosquito biology. Even if you major in entomology, extermination companies will probably still be better equipped to remove the insects from your property.

Any company worth its salt will use its expertise to deter reproduction and discourage new populations from establishing - these services will typically involve a full inspection of the yard, a detailed explanation of findings and treatment options, and a targeted treatment plan customized to fit your preferences and the extent of the infestation.

Wildlife Control

Since you’re already outdoors anyway, why not consider wildlife control while you’re at it? If you’re struggling with a particularly nasty critter, you can ask your technician about your options. Most companies will be licensed to trap and remove problematic wildlife from residential and commercial properties. Hint: Dealing with wild animals can be a lot more dangerous than just dealing with mosquitoes, so you definitely want a pro’s help for this.

If you need these services fast, many companies offer same-day services for calls before noon and next-day services for calls in the afternoon. They’ll usually either provide pest control on both a recurring and one-time basis, the latter of which is recommended for scheduled outdoor events. That’ll keep your barbecue or birthday party pest-free!