New Jersey is a state known for its rich history and diverse opportunities, but it also faces its own set of challenges, one of which might not immediately come to mind: mosquitoes. This region, like many others, encounters problems with these insects, which can affect the quality of life and health of its residents.
Mosquitoes Deadly Impact
Believe it or not, they are much more than annoying picnic crashers buzzing in our ears; they are the deadliest insect on the planet. They take the lives of millions of people annually through the many diseases, viruses, and parasites they transmit to humans, including Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue, West Nile Virus, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and more.
They've caused more deaths than all the wars in history combined, and even when they don't kill, they infect millions of people with a wide range of degenerative diseases. They can make humans miserable, and it seems like they delight in doing just that. Of course, that is likely our imagination (bugs don't act with malice, right?) There is no doubt that they have a single-minded agenda: breeding. Females need a steady supply of blood because they use the protein and iron it contains to produce their eggs, and unfortunately, we know where that leaves us, on tap.
There are over 3,000 mosquito species worldwide. In New Jersey, there are about 63 species, with many found throughout the state. Among these, two species are particularly notable for their prevalence and potential health risks: Culex pipiens (the Common House Mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (the Asian Tiger Mosquito). Both species are well-established in New Jersey and are known vectors for various diseases. Although a mosquito bite might seem inconsequential, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that even a single bite can pose significant health risks, underlining the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites to protect public health.
Ticks
Ticks are also very common pests that can overtake your yard and render it uninhabitable. WebMD reports that they can lay between 1,500 and 5,000 eggs after one feeding. While they are not necessarily a danger to your lawn, they hide in it and can latch onto you, your family, your pets, having a feast and leaving itchy or painful bumps. Ticks can also spread dangerous diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease, 75% of which is caused by outdoor activities at home.
Fleas
If you see small black specks on your pet, your shoes, or your socks, you may have a flea problem in your yard. Like other pests, fleas multiply rapidly and can lay up to 50 eggs a day; in fact, within 6 weeks, one flea can develop into a million. These wingless parasites latch on to humans, dogs, cats, and other wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and opossums, and can spread dangerous diseases, including the bubonic plague. While fleas themselves are quite simple to terminate, their eggs are not due to their microscopic size and tough exterior shell.
Get Pests Under Control
We should protect ourselves against these insects, including covering up when we are out and about, using insect repellent, and keeping windows and doors closed. But the real problem is that these efforts are not really enough. Mosquitoes seem to be everywhere and are clever creatures. The little nuisances seem to be able to teleport inside our houses magically despite our best efforts. No matter how careful you are, they'll bite you eventually. Then there's the outdoors, which is their true domain. Step out the door, and you become vulnerable. Sure, there are things you can do to ward them off in your outside environment. You can remove water sources around your home, eliminate debris and clutter, and grow some plants they dislike, like citronella, lavender, rosemary and mint. However, the effectiveness of these tactics is marginal at best. One excellent option we do have at our disposal, however, is professional pest control.
A pro can locate and remove breeding sites, identify, and employ habitat modifications, and help you do more to mosquito-proof your house. Additionally, an expert has an arsenal of effective, commercial-grade repellant products and techniques such as spraying and trapping that can greatly minimize the mosquito presence around your perimeter. With a solid plan for preventative action, you'll be able to step out into your backyard again with confidence and peace of mind.
Nobody is better at mosquito control than Absolutely American Pest Control. We have the expertise to handle these pests promptly and efficiently. With great pricing and countless rave reviews from satisfied customers, it's easy to see why we're top-rated. So, please contact us, and we can show you what the buzz is all about.
Frequently Asked Mosquito Questions
Q1. Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz?
A1. Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes create that buzzing sound near your ears, especially when everything else seems quiet? The buzzing noise made by mosquitoes is not merely a byproduct of their wings beating. It serves multiple purposes, including communication and mating. Mosquitoes beat their wings at high speeds, up to 600 times per second for some species. This rapid movement of wings generates the buzzing sound we hear. Interestingly, the frequency of the buzz can help mosquitoes find potential mates. Female mosquitoes often have a lower wing-beat frequency compared to males, and this difference plays a crucial role during mating. Males listen for the frequency of female wing beats and use this sound to locate them in the environment.
Q2. Can Mosquitoes Transmit HIV?
A2. The question of whether mosquitoes can transmit HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is intriguing, given their role in spreading other diseases like malaria and dengue. The answer is no, mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV. This is because when a mosquito bites and takes blood, it does not inject the blood of a previously bitten person into the next person it bites. Instead, mosquitoes inject saliva that contains substances preventing blood clotting, which is necessary for them to feed efficiently. Moreover, the HIV virus does not survive or replicate within the mosquito's body, making transmission through this route impossible. This distinction highlights the specific ways in which different pathogens interact with mosquito biology.
Q3. What Is the Lifespan of a Mosquito?
A3. The lifespan of a mosquito can be quite surprising, as it varies significantly depending on the species, environmental conditions, and gender. On average, male mosquitoes live a shorter life, typically about a week, as their main role is to mate. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, can live from a few weeks to several months. This longer lifespan in females is partly because they require blood meals for egg production, which can occur multiple times throughout their life, hence why they are the ones that bite humans and animals. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity also play a crucial role in determining the lifespan of mosquitoes. In favorable conditions, with adequate warmth and moisture, mosquitoes can thrive and complete their life cycle more efficiently, potentially extending the females' lifespan.