When you think of the deadliest animal on earth, images of snakes and lions may come to mind. In fact, mosquitos kill more people than any other animal.
Mosquitos can transmit deadly diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. They are also one of the most common pests that you’ll find right in your backyard.
Combatting these pests is key to the health and comfort of your family. One way to do that is by hiring a mosquito control service.
We go over the reasons why hiring a mosquito control in Columbia, SC area is the best idea for your family.
Mosquito Season in South Carolina
Although the weather in South Carolina is beautiful, it means a long mosquito season. There are a few reasons this season lasts for almost half a year.
Warm Temperatures
If it’s one thing that mosquitos love, it’s the warmth. South Carolina has temperatures over 65 degrees six months of the year. This means mosquitos can thrive for months.
Rain and Humidity
Mosquitos love the humid weather. The rainy climate South Carolina so often sees is the climate that mosquitos do best in.
Mild Winter
A cold winter is what kills off many mosquito larvae. No baby mosquitos mean a shorter season with these pests.
South Carolina has warmer winters that are relatively short. This leaves more time for mosquitoes to thrive and grow.
When to Start Your Columbia SC Pest Control
The threshold for mosquitos to start hatching is 50 degrees. Once the temperature consistently reaches this level, mosquito season has officially begun.
Starting mosquito prevention early is key. This means you should start your mosquito prevention by March for the best mosquito pest control in the Columbia, SC area. If you combat mosquitos early on, you’ll have less trouble keeping up with the mosquito population in the warmer months.
Columbia SC Mosquito Control Tips
You can do a few things around your home to keep mosquitos from swarming this summer. The earlier you start, the better your results will be.
Get Rid of Standing Water
The most popular place for mosquitos to lay their eggs is standing water. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs in. One mosquito can lay thousands of eggs by the start of the summer.
Male mosquitoes do not bite humans, but female mosquitoes do. Female mosquitoes need blood to lay eggs, and they can spread diseases when they bite. Getting rid of their favorite breeding ground can help control a mosquito outbreak.
Removing standing water will reduce the number of places a mosquito can lay her eggs. This, in turn, will keep your mosquito population lower.
Several areas tend to collect water. Make sure to check the following for standing water:
- Tire ruts
- Buckets
- Barrels
- Equipment left outside
Being vigilant when checking these areas for pooled water will help stop mosquitos.
Clean Your Gutters
One place you’ll find standing water is in your gutters. Make sure to check them and free them of any leaves or debris that could collect water.
Maintain Your Yard
Another tip to keep mosquitos from overtaking your yard is to keep up with lawn care. Things like tall grass, leaf piles, and puddles can attract mosquitos.
If you have a pool, make sure to maintain that as well. Keeping on top of your yard work will help keep mosquitos away.
Use Natural Repellents
There are some natural plants that mosquitos can’t stand. Planting any of them in your yard can help keep these bugs away.
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Garlic
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Lemongrass
- Catnip
- Rosemary
- Tulsi
- Pennyroyal
- Basil
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
Mosquitos also hate the smell of cedar mulch. Laying down this type of mulch will help stop extra moisture and keep mosquitos away from the scent.
Use Yellow Lights
Mosquitos are drawn to light sources. If you replace your outdoor lights with yellow lights, they are more likely to avoid them.
Avoiding Mosquito Bites
There are several ways to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. The best way is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.
Mosquitoes are attracted to human sweat and carbon dioxide. They can also sense heat, moisture, and movement.
Make sure to use an EPA-certified bug repellant. Check the directions so that you are using it the correct way.
Mosquitos love the dawn and dusk. Avoid being outside during these times of the day.
Wear light-colored clothing when you are outside. Long sleeve pants and a shirt will keep mosquitos from biting you. For extra protection, tuck your pants into your socks.
The Professional Pest Control Method
If you’ve tried different mosquito control methods and they aren’t working, it’s time to hire a professional company. A pest control company is a licensed company that can help rid you of pests that you are dealing with.
If you choose to go with a professional company, they’ll first evaluate your property. An expert will go over your outdoor areas and create a plan to fit your needs.
Most South Carolina mosquito companies will treat your yard between March and October. You can always add more months to this timeframe as needed.
They’ll look for places a mosquito would live and breed and treat them. The solution that they’ll use will be safe for your kids and pets so you can have fun all summer long.
Enjoy Your Summers Again With Mosquito Control in Columbia, SC
The South Carolina summer is for being outside, but that can turn deadly if you have a mosquito problem. If your DIY mosquito removal isn’t working, professional mosquito control in Columbia, SC is the answer.
If your mosquitos are out of control, Cayce Exterminating can take care of the problem for you.
Contact us for your free pest control estimate today!
