The Struggle With Mosquito Control In Wilmington

Have you ever shared a room with a mosquito? You’ll find yourself with multiple itchy bites, often in inconvenient places. In the summer months, Wilmington can be muggy and the moisture in the air amplifies the sun’s effects in the daytime, but at night, when temperatures fall slightly, mosquitoes come out in droves.

Mosquitoes In Wilmington: What You Should Know

Mosquitoes in America spread disease the same way they spread illness worldwide. In some areas, mosquitoes are known for harboring malaria, yellow fever, and the Zika virus, and in this area, these pests have a history of spreading the encephalitis virus. The virus was discovered during its first epidemic in the St. Louis area in 1933. Encephalitis is now rare, but microfilaria is not!

Microfilariae are baby heartworms in dogs and cats that live in infected hosts and grow into foot-long worms that live in the heart. Mosquitoes transfer these worms from host to host. There are natural ways to repel pests away from your yard, but don’t take chances when it comes to dogs, cats, and mosquitoes. Talk with your veterinarian about heartworm control and help stop the spread of heartworms via mosquitoes.

Three Natural Ways To Repel Mosquitoes 

The most natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes are simple and effective.

1. Use essential oils to get rid of mosquitoes. Clary sage, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus essential oil work well.
2. Eliminate standing water around your home. If you have a birdbath, consider adding an aerator. Aerators require depth, but birds need shallow water to bathe. Consider adding flagstones to deep bowls.
3. Look for shaded areas on your land. In the afternoon sun, mosquitoes seek shelter anywhere there is shade and moisture. Leaky sheds, moist rotting wood, and decaying garbage will sustain a population for a short time.

Lavender, marigold, and citronella are non-native plants that deter mosquitoes. Planting them, in theory, sounds excellent. Plant flowers and then no mosquitoes; however, it also discourages all other pollinators.

Spraying mosquitoes periodically can offer a unique opportunity to maintain a habitat suitable for pollinators indeterminately. Pesticides, when applied appropriately, can be used as a tool to encourage long-term biodiversity, prevent the spread of disease, and allow you comfortable access to your own backyard.

FAQ: Spraying for Mosquitoes In Wilmington

If left uncontrolled, mosquitoes cause harm. Maintaining the population is partly why we rarely see encephalitis, and we'd like to keep it that way. 

Q. What is in mosquito sprays?

A: Most companies use a chemical known as pyrethrin that mimics the toxicity of the chrysanthemum flower. It works well; however, alternating chemical formulas periodically keeps the pest from becoming immune to the treatment.

Q: What are the benefits of spraying for mosquitoes?

A: Spraying for mosquitos eliminates the current larvae and adult mosquito population. This substance will stay in the environment absorbed by the foliage, and repel them for up to five days post-treatment.

Q. When should I spray?

A: The use of chemicals should be utilized responsibly. Most people need mosquito yard treatment when they are overwhelmed with mosquitoes or preparing for an outdoor gathering.

Q. Is it safe to spray for mosquitoes around children and pets?

A: Mosquitoes are minute, lightweight, fragile insects; it doesn’t take much to get rid of them with pesticides. Generally speaking, mosquito sprays are safe to use near children and pets. However, there are steps to minimize the exposure.

1. Before having your yard sprayed, mow the lawn.  
2. Put away children and pet toys.
3. Reduce breeding sites, i.e., standing water.

The peak mosquito breeding season in Wilmington happens between April and September. As one of the lowest pests on the food chain, they support life for a wide array of animals in the ecosystem. 

Control Mosquitoes The Easy Way With Delmar Pest Control

Maintaining a balance of mosquitoes is something everyone should consider due to the diseases you can get from mosquitoes, how they tip the scales of other pests in your environment and the consequences of using insecticides without a knowledgeable pest control professional.

Call us if you plan an outdoor event or are being overrun with mosquitoes in your yard. At Delmar Pest Control, we don’t rely on gimmicks because our team uses practical tactics to keep your home pest-free.