Mosquitoes & Mosquito Season in Virginia
Mosquitoes are pesky, annoying insects that make it difficult to be outside during certain times of the year and even at specific times of day during mosquito season. It is helpful to know what times of day they are active and what conditions make them most prevalent in your yard. Mosquito season starts in the spring when the temperature outside reaches at least 50 degrees. Once they emerge for the season, mosquitoes feed at sunrise, sunset, and during the nighttime. In order for them to remain active in your yard, they require warm temperatures. They cannot tolerate direct sunlight, and the mosquitoes that are present will be specific to your area and the overall weather conditions that favor their activity.
In Virginia, the most common type of mosquito you will encounter is the Asian Tiger mosquito. These mosquitoes make up about 90 percent of the population that bites humans and are most commonly active during the day between sun-up and sundown. There are also several factors that attract mosquitoes to specific individuals. Mosquitoes tend to go after individuals with Type O blood, which is found in about 50 percent of Americans. They are attracted to the antigens, or secretors, in this blood type and seek to feed on those individuals. Mosquitoes are also more attracted to a person's body odor, especially if they can detect alcohol or the plume that humans emit when exhaling carbon dioxide. When we exhale, we release a "plume," or a visual pattern of carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes can sense from about 164 feet away, prompting them to seek you out.
What Works Best for Repelling Mosquitoes?
There are several different options available to repel mosquitoes. Some products that are approved as safe and effective include DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella essential oil, and others. Make sure there is no standing water in your immediate area or on your property, as it attracts mosquitoes to breed and linger. You can also avoid being outdoors during active mosquito hours, or, if that is unavoidable, use mosquito netting to keep them away from you and your skin.
Landlock Pest Control provides a separate, specific treatment for mosquitoes and would be happy to help with your mosquito repellent needs. Give us a call at (757) 906-5380 for all your pest control needs.