Mosquitoes are more than just a buzzing nuisance; their bites can be itchy, irritating, and even transmit diseases. In Southern California, the warm climate provides ideal breeding grounds for these pests, making effective mosquito control a year-round concern. If you’re wondering how to stop mosquitoes, this post outlines practical prevention strategies and control methods specific to our region.

Several mosquito species thrive in Southern California, each with its own habits and preferences. The Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito) is an aggressive daytime biter known for its distinctive black and white markings and is a vector for diseases like Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya. The Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito), also an aggressive daytime biter, is similarly a vector for dengue fever and chikungunya. It’s adaptable and can breed in very small containers of water. Culex spp. mosquitoes are typically active at dusk and dawn and are vectors for West Nile virus and other diseases.

Stopping Mosquitos at the Source

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding sites. Mosquitoes require standing water to complete their life cycle. This means regularly emptying any containers that hold water, such as flower pots, bird baths, pet water bowls, gutters, and discarded tires. Even small amounts of water can provide breeding grounds. Maintaining swimming pools and spas through proper chlorination and upkeep is crucial. If you have a pool cover, remove standing water from it regularly. Repairing leaky faucets or pipes that could create standing water is also essential. Finally, trimming vegetation around your property to reduce shaded areas where mosquitoes can rest and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water from pooling are important steps.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

While eliminating breeding sites is crucial, protecting yourself from bites is also important. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to the product label. When outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Mosquitoes are typically most active at dawn and dusk, so try to limit outdoor activities during these times. Ensure that windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.  

For persistent mosquito problems, professional pest control services are often the most effective solution. Professionals have access to specialized products and techniques not available to homeowners. They can identify breeding sites you might have missed and implement targeted treatments to eliminate mosquito populations. If you are struggling with a mosquito infestation, consider contacting Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control. Their expertise in local pest control makes them the best solution to kill mosquitos and ensure your property is protected.

Southern California’s climate presents unique challenges for mosquito control. The dry periods followed by occasional rainfall can create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. It’s important to stay vigilant, especially after rain events, and eliminate any standing water promptly. The prevalence of swimming pools and spas in Southern California also requires extra attention. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent these features from becoming mosquito breeding grounds. When prevention isn’t enough and you need professional help, Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control can provide effective solutions tailored to the specific mosquito species in your area. They are the best solution to kill mosquitos and implement preventative measures to keep them away.

Mosquito Exterminators

Mosquito control requires a multi-faceted approach, combining prevention strategies with personal protection measures. By eliminating breeding sites, protecting yourself from bites, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can effectively manage mosquito populations and enjoy the outdoors without the constant annoyance and health risks these pests present. Remember, for expert mosquito control in Southern California, Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control is the best solution to kill mosquitos and keep them away. Call 909-335-1486.

The post How to Stop Mosquitoes in the Inland Empire appeared first on Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control.

A patient in Los Angeles County and two patients in Riverside County were the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in California this summer. Another seven confirmed human cases of the virus have been reported in areas including Los Angeles, Riverside, and Eastvale, reports The Press-Enterprise.

Protect your family by learning more about WNV and the mosquitoes that carry the disease. Here are four things you should know.

1. Over 100 Mosquito Species Are Vectors

A vector is a species that is able to transmit diseases to other species. Human cases of WNV are transmitted by mosquitoes. Up to 150 different species of mosquitoes can carry the WNV.

The most common mosquito vectors for WNV are Culex types. These mosquitoes include:

• Western encephalitis mosquito ( Culex tarsalis)
• Northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens)
• Southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)

Culex mosquitoes feed at dawn, dusk, and after dark. These mosquitoes can transmit the WNV to horses, humans, and birds.

2. Birds Carry WNV But Don’t Transmit to Humans

Mosquitoes pick up the virus when feeding on birds that have been infected with WNV. The infected birds acquired their WNV from other mosquitoes infected by other birds. It’s a cycle from mosquito to bird and back to mosquito.

Crows and jays are common carriers of WNV, but many types of birds can be infected with the disease. Predatory birds can sometimes become infected after eating dead birds that have been infected with the WNV.

Birds may show no signs of WNV until their brains become affected. Then, the birds lose balance easily, ruffle out their feathers, and remain close to the ground.

If you suspect a bird has WNV, or you find a dead bird on your property, contact your area’s vector control center to report the bird and takes steps to protect yourself and your family. Wear gloves when handling dead birds. Transmission is unlikely from bird to human, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Effects of WNV on Humans Vary

In 80 percent of human cases of WNV, infected people don’t show or feel any symptoms. One in five people infected with WNV can experience symptoms similar to the flu.

These symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Body ache
• Nausea
• Swollen lymph glands
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Rash
• Drowsiness

West Nile encephalitis or meningitis can cause more life-threatening symptoms. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than one percent of infected patients develop advanced stages of WNV.

4. You Can Remove Standing Water to Reduce WNV Risks

The Culex mosquitoes that carry WNV prefer to breed in water sources near homes and agricultural areas. To reduce populations of WNV around your home, tip out any standing water you see.

Places that are breeding sources for Culex mosquitoes include :

• Ponds
• Vegetated pools
• Drains
• Underground water
• Old tires
• Foul water
• Pails and containers

Walk around your home daily to make sure no standing water is available for egg laying. Dump out any kiddie toys, yard equipment, and other items that catch and hold rain or sprinkler water.

Make sure all window and door screens are attached securely to your home. Screens should have no holes or other openings that mosquitoes can enter. Use DEET-based repellents if you’re outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Lower your risk of acquiring WNV by scheduling pest control treatment when your home is in an area of moderate-to-heavy mosquito activity. Your pest control professional has safe and effective treatments for all types of mosquitoes. Treatments are available for adult mosquitoes and other life stages of the insect’s development.

Eliminate pesky and disease-transmitting mosquitoes on your property by contacting Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. today. We can treat your residence for mosquitoes within a 75-mile radius of Riverside, California.

The post West Nile Virus appeared first on Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control.

Two mosquito-borne illnesses are hitting close to home in Riverside and Redlands, CA. The first 2017 case of human West Nile virus in Los Angeles County was identified in the San Gabriel Valley area in June. A few months earlier, in San Diego County, the first baby born with defects caused by the Zika virus was identified.

Homeowners who are concerned about protecting themselves from either of these serious diseases should understand the five facts that follow.

Zika Is Not Transmitted in California Yet

The baby above who was born with Zika virus contracted the disease from the mother, who was exposed to the disease while pregnant and traveling abroad. So far, there have been no reports of Zika being locally transmitted by mosquitoes in California.

The two types of mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are present in California, however. These insects aren’t native to the state but have been spotted here.

It may be only a matter of time until there are California-based Zika cases, but the probability remains relatively low. In order for a mosquito to transmit the disease to you, it must first bite a person who is infected with Zika and then bite you. Mosquitoes can’t transmit the human disease on their own, since they carry Zika from person to person.

Four Types of Mosquitoes Can Make You Sick

West Nile Virus and Zika are spread by mosquitoes, which have increased in Southern California due to abundant winter rains. The kinds of mosquitoes, listed by disease, include the following.

Zika Virus

• Yellow-fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)—has banded legs, a violin-shaped thorax marking, and a deep brown color
• Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—has banded legs, a white stripe on center of the back, and a deep black color

West Nile Virus 

• House mosquito (Culex pipiens)—has a banded abdomen with gold and pale scales, brownish legs, and an overall brownish-gold color
• Encephalitis mosquito (Culex tarsalis)—has a gold and pale abdomen, visible wing veining, brown legs banded with white, and a mottled brownish-gold color

The house mosquitoes may winter in basements, garages, culverts, and sheds before emerging in spring. The invasive Aedes mosquitoes can travel on vehicles or in goods and personal belongings.

Aedes Mosquitoes Breed Inside and Out

Most mosquitoes that are native to our region breed in stagnant water found outdoors. They may lay eggs in culverts, rain barrels, water bottles, or abandoned pools. 

However, the highly invasive Aedes mosquitoes are able to breed in only a bottle cap’s worth of water. They breed inside the home as well as outdoors and may find a wonderful breeding spot under a sink or in a cup of water left in the garage.

Mosquitoes Bite During the Day Too

There are many species of biting mosquitoes in the U.S., and some emerge only at dusk to start feeding on human and animal blood. For example, house mosquitoes typically bite during the evening and early night hours.

Although all mosquitoes try to avoid strong daytime sunlight, Asian tiger mosquitoes love to bite in the morning and late afternoon. Remember, mosquitoes that enter your home aren’t bothered by sunlight either. Instead of retreating to cool, moist, shaded locations during the hottest hours of the day, they can fly around in your climate-controlled space and bite all day long.

Homeowners Can Help Fight Zika and West Nile

Homeowners should be vigilant when it comes to standing water around and inside their structures. Completely empty all bird baths, rain barrels, and animal troughs once a week. Add only fresh water when refilling.

Keep screens on doors and windows maintained. Wear mosquito repellent outside, and refresh the repellent as directed after exercising or sweating.

Check around your home every day to be certain there are no places where water is collecting and not draining. If you have an unused pool, have it cleaned and treated. Ask your local officials whether or not they’re offering mosquitofish to pool, pond, and lake owners, especially if you live in a mosquito-plagued area. The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is very effective at eating mosquito larvae.

Two mosquito-borne illnesses are hitting close to home in Riverside and Redlands, CA. The first 2017 case of human West Nile virus in Los Angeles County was identified in the San Gabriel Valley area in June. A few months earlier, in San Diego County, the first baby born with defects caused by the Zika virus was identified.

Homeowners who are concerned about protecting themselves from either of these serious diseases should understand the five facts that follow.

Zika Is Not Transmitted in California Yet

The baby above who was born with Zika virus contracted the disease from the mother, who was exposed to the disease while pregnant and traveling abroad. So far, there have been no reports of Zika being locally transmitted by mosquitoes in California.

The two types of mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are present in California, however. These insects aren’t native to the state but have been spotted here.

It may be only a matter of time until there are California-based Zika cases, but the probability remains relatively low. In order for a mosquito to transmit the disease to you, it must first bite a person who is infected with Zika and then bite you. Mosquitoes can’t transmit the human disease on their own, since they carry Zika from person to person.

Four Types of Mosquitoes Can Make You Sick

West Nile Virus and Zika are spread by mosquitoes, which have increased in Southern California due to abundant winter rains. The kinds of mosquitoes, listed by disease, include the following.

Zika Virus

• Yellow-fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)—has banded legs, a violin-shaped thorax marking, and a deep brown color
• Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—has banded legs, a white stripe on center of the back, and a deep black color

West Nile Virus 

• House mosquito (Culex pipiens)—has a banded abdomen with gold and pale scales, brownish legs, and an overall brownish-gold color
• Encephalitis mosquito (Culex tarsalis)—has a gold and pale abdomen, visible wing veining, brown legs banded with white, and a mottled brownish-gold color

The house mosquitoes may winter in basements, garages, culverts, and sheds before emerging in spring. The invasive Aedes mosquitoes can travel on vehicles or in goods and personal belongings.

Aedes Mosquitoes Breed Inside and Out

Most mosquitoes that are native to our region breed in stagnant water found outdoors. They may lay eggs in culverts, rain barrels, water bottles, or abandoned pools. 

However, the highly invasive Aedes mosquitoes are able to breed in only a bottle cap’s worth of water. They breed inside the home as well as outdoors and may find a wonderful breeding spot under a sink or in a cup of water left in the garage.

Mosquitoes Bite During the Day Too

There are many species of biting mosquitoes in the U.S., and some emerge only at dusk to start feeding on human and animal blood. For example, house mosquitoes typically bite during the evening and early night hours.

Although all mosquitoes try to avoid strong daytime sunlight, Asian tiger mosquitoes love to bite in the morning and late afternoon. Remember, mosquitoes that enter your home aren’t bothered by sunlight either. Instead of retreating to cool, moist, shaded locations during the hottest hours of the day, they can fly around in your climate-controlled space and bite all day long.

Homeowners Can Help Fight Zika and West Nile

Homeowners should be vigilant when it comes to standing water around and inside their structures. Completely empty all bird baths, rain barrels, and animal troughs once a week. Add only fresh water when refilling.

Keep screens on doors and windows maintained. Wear mosquito repellent outside, and refresh the repellent as directed after exercising or sweating.

Check around your home every day to be certain there are no places where water is collecting and not draining. If you have an unused pool, have it cleaned and treated. Ask your local officials whether or not they’re offering mosquitofish to pool, pond, and lake owners, especially if you live in a mosquito-plagued area. The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is very effective at eating mosquito larvae.

Contact one of our pest control experts to have your property inspected and treated for a variety of insect pests, including mosquitoes. We’re happy to offer eco-friendly and traditional pest control methods to get rid of bugs.

The post 5 Facts You Must Know About Mosquitoes, Zika, and the West Nile Virus appeared first on Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control.