Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control

According to the Washington State Department of Health, there are over 40 mosquito species in the state of Washington – but mosquitoes may be more than just a nuisance, they can carry diseases that pose a health threat to you, your family, and pets.

While the Pacific Northwest has not seen too many cases, the outbreak of the West Nile virus has become a growing concern in the Northwest regions with more mosquitoes moving into our region – especially between June and September.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

It makes sense that by preventing mosquitoes from biting you, you will be protecting yourself from the diseases they transmit.

Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? Female mosquitoes feed on human and animal blood because they require the proteins in blood in order to develop their eggs for reproduction. There are ways to prevent mosquito bites, such as:

Wear mosquito repellent – beside the commercial chemical mosquito repellents, there are natural, chemical-free mosquito repellents that you can use on your skin, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, citronella, and more.
Try a bug zapper – different products have differing levels of success, so it may require some trial-and-error to determine the best option for your property.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and even a hat – if outdoors during active mosquito times (between dusk and dawn) and/or are near water, wetlands, or in the woods.
Stay indoors – during dusk and dawn.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Because of the increasing migration and populations of mosquitoes, professional mosquito control is the most effective way to rid your property of mosquitoes.

Don’t wait until you see a swarm of mosquitoes! Ongoing professional mosquito control will treat the breeding sites and reduce the adult mosquito population.

Mosquito Prevention

For the safety of you, your family, and your pets, it’s a good idea to walk through your home and property to assess the ways you can ‘mosquito proof’ your home – both inside and outside.

Avoid / Remove water collection objects or anything that holds standing water. Water supports the mosquito breeding. So, if you have water collection objects, such as birdbaths or fountains, change the water frequently (twice/week).
Maintain unused swimming pools. Whether above or in-ground, it’s important to keep swimming pools clean – this includes cleaning collected water off the plastic cover!
Repair / Replace leaky faucets, hoses, sprinklers.
Keep gutters clear of debris. In early spring and fall, make sure gutters drain properly, are not clogged with damp leaves or standing water, and drainage downspouts are clear.
Fill lawn / ground hollows. Do you have low-lying ground areas that are collecting water after rains? This could be a breeding area for mosquitoes.
Repair / Replace damaged screens. Mosquitoes can enter through holes or tears in screens. A smaller mesh size is ideal for mosquito control – for windows, doors, porches, patios.
Repair / Seal cracks and holes. Yes, mosquitoes can enter your home through cracks or holes in your foundation and/or walls