Mosquitoes are merely a brief seasonal nuisance for many states, but not here in Tennessee. Along with the balmy subtropical climate we so thoroughly enjoy, we also have to suffer through one of the worst extended bug seasons in the country, stretching from early spring to late fall and even into early winter. Ours is a very buggy state, known for its mosquito problems as much as it is known for its musicians. So, if it seems like there’s one perpetually singing in your ear the moment you step out of the door in Nashville, that’s because there is.
Vector-Borne Diseases Carried By Mosquitoes
There are about 3,000 blood-sucking species globally, and 3 of the worst ones are here in our backyards: the Asian Tiger, the Yellow Fever, and the Culex (sometimes also called a house mosquito). This is not a threat that we should take lightly. These troublesome insects are among the deadliest on the planet, carrying many diseases, parasites, and viruses that we are susceptible to, including West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, to name a few. Mosquitoes can also cause serious, degenerative diseases. Even more disturbing, their numbers have been rapidly increasing yearly, along with the devastation they cause; scientists are now warning that it will get worse.
Mosquitoes Have A Single-Minded Agenda: Breeding
A female’s thirst for blood is legendary and for a single purpose, breeding. The protein and iron they derive from it are vitally necessary to produce their eggs. It doesn’t have to be human blood, however. Our pets and livestock suffer, but it certainly seems like we humans are their favorite snack. Our habits and physical characteristics make us easy targets. They are attracted to our body heat, the large amounts of carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the smell of our sweat and skin. They are even drawn to our clothes and especially darker-colored garments. The moment we go outside, we are practically ringing the proverbial dinner bell for these pests.
Ways To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
There are a few precautions you can take to help minimize mosquito bites. Wear lighter-colored clothing and cover up bare skin, use insect repellent, and keep your windows and doors closed at home. Don’t forget some protection for your pets, too. An insect repellent collar may help, and your veterinarian can recommend your best options.
Also, avoid leaving standing water around your home because they lay their eggs in it. A single, unattended bucket of still water can quickly turn into a busy breeding ground. If you have stagnant water near your home, consider adding a simple floating solar fountain (you’ll find many choices on Amazon) to keep the water moving. It helps to disrupt their egg development. Some plants may help to act as a deterrent as well. Mosquitoes are known to dislike lavender, citronella grass, marigolds, and rosemary, so consider adding some of these beneficial plants to your landscape.
Your Best Defense Against Mosquitoes Is Professional Pest Control
Despite the helpfulness of the suggestions explained above, those DIY efforts are rarely enough. The way to significantly lessen the presence of mosquitoes around your home is by obtaining professional pest management.
In Nashville and the surrounding areas, the best mosquito control experts are your neighbors, the friendly, experienced professionals of Defender Pest Control. We are a family-owned business dedicated to serving the community, and our tactics to combat them are the most effective in the business. We use a combination of traditional fogging and state-of-the-art, eco-friendly solutions to bring you relief from the annoyance and dangers of these insects. This includes a revolutionary industry technology called In2Care, which uses proven science to significantly reduce mosquitoes’ resistance to pesticides. So, please don’t wait.
Contact us today and allow us to defend you.