Mosquito Identification In Chicago, IL

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are a type of true fly and a well-known summertime pest. They have a slender body, a single pair of wings covered in scales, and six long thin legs. Unfortunately, both people and mosquitoes are active outside when the weather is warmest. A mosquito uses its elongated mouthpart (proboscis) to feed. Males and females both feed on plant nectar and other sweet liquids as their primary food source; females also feed on the blood of animals and people.

Attracted by our body heat, odor, and the carbon dioxide we emit while breathing, they will use their proboscis to pierce our skin and help themselves to a blood meal. Having a blood meal helps mosquitoes complete their life cycle; the protein they acquire from blood is the only way females can create viable eggs.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes are dangerous and, therefore, unwelcome on our properties. Most people experience a reaction to a mosquito bite. Around the bite site, a raised, itchy welt develops; scratching at these welts can lead to a secondary infection, especially in young children.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are also vectors of many diseases. While not every mosquito that bites you carries a disease or parasites, the potential is there. A mosquito will feed on many different hosts throughout their short life span, and as they do, there is always the chance they will acquire and pass along a disease-causing pathogen to the next host they bite.

In Illinois, mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, and eastern and western equine encephalitis.

Why do I have a mosquito problem?

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, and the larvae then develop there. Therefore any property with standing water on or near it is a potential hotspot for mosquitoes.

Another reason why mosquitoes may be on your property is there is a lot of vegetation on it. Tall grasses, trees, gardens, and shrubbery are places where mosquitoes like to hide during the day to escape the sun and heat.

Where will I find mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are often spotted swarming around their breeding sites, areas of standing water. These insects can fly a good distance to find food, but most stay near where they hatched.

Females mosquitoes lay their eggs in man-made or natural containers. Buckets, trash cans, tarps, clogged gutters, tree stumps, and brush piles are examples of things that collect water and encourage mosquito activity on a property. In our area, Mosquitoes will also lay their eggs in low lying areas that may be dry but prone to flooding.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, which helps them avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. In the spring, when the temperatures consistently stays above 50 degrees (usually the end of April), mosquitoes will become active and start feeding and breeding. Mosquitoes are usually active through September, being most active at the peak of summer when temperatures are above 80 degrees.

How do I get rid of mosquitoes?

The best course of action to take to limit the number of mosquitoes breeding and feeding on your property is to partner with a professional! Get help protecting your Illinois outdoor space from mosquitoes with the help of Aerex Pest Control. With over 70 years of experience, you can count on us to provide you with the seasonal mosquito control services needed to take back your backyard from biting mosquitoes. For more information about our mosquito control service, call Aerex Pest Control, and speak with one of our helpful professionals!

How can I prevent mosquitoes in the future?

We have put together a list of practical prevention tips to help you keep mosquitoes off your property.

• Always remember, the less standing water you have on your property, the fewer problems with mosquitoes you will have.
• Keep gutters clear of debris that allows rainwater to collect.
• Store containers like buckets and wheelbarrows that could collect water upside down when you are not using them.
• Regularly change out the water in things like pet water bowls, birdbaths, and wading pools.
• Level out your yard to stop low lying areas from collecting water.
• Eliminate overgrown vegetation and tall grasses on your property to limit food sources and resting spots for mosquitoes.
• Keep wandering mosquitoes out of your home by keeping doors closed and screens in windows.

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