Eco-Friendly Ways To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In Tampa
There’s no reason you should spend your Tampa summer combating mosquitoes, and fortunately, you don’t have to. Here’s what Tampa residents should know about the purposes mosquitoes serve, how mosquito control has worked in the past, the diseases that mosquitoes spread, some of the natural techniques you can use to kill mosquitoes in your yard, and how to keep mosquitoes away with pest control in Tampa.
What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes may seem useless when you’re constantly itching at mosquito bites or putting on bug spray, but even if these pests are a nuisance to humans, they do serve a purpose in the environment.
Mosquitoes can be important for two main reasons: they are a crucial part of the food chain, and they’re also essential pollinators too. Mosquitoes serve as prey for various forms of wildlife, including bats, dragonflies, fish larvae, turtles, and many more animals that rely on mosquitoes as a food source. Without mosquitoes, several other types of wildlife would suffer.
Besides a food source, mosquitoes also pollinate flowers. So, why do mosquitoes suck your blood? Contrary to popular belief, not all mosquitoes bite humans. Of the thousands of mosquito species, only a couple hundred types are capable of biting humans, and it’s only female mosquitoes that bite. All mosquitoes pollinate flowers when they feed on nectar, but female mosquitoes also need to drink blood so they can reproduce.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes have been around for a long time, and humans have been combating these pests from the beginning. As a result, mosquito control has gone through various changes. Some of the earliest records of mosquito control came from the Native Americans, who used certain plants, like rosemary, lemongrass, or citronella, to keep mosquitoes away. These plants secrete oils that naturally repel mosquitoes and can even work as a form of mosquito control today.
In the late 1800s, farmers discovered that kerosene could kill mosquitoes. From there, the United States government began using an oil-based pesticide to eliminate mosquitoes in the swamps and bayous of the southern U.S. In 1939, the government began using a new pesticide, called DDT, to control mosquitoes and reduce disease, but this only lasted a couple of decades. During the ‘60s, scientists uncovered that while DDT could control mosquitoes, it was also causing illness and liver damage in various parts of the food chain, including people.
Today, modern mosquito control combines various efforts to control mosquitoes. While we may use pesticides, many modern pest control companies also use natural techniques to reduce mosquito populations, like eliminating breeding areas or adding fresh minnows to water sources.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Can Transmit
More than just biting or being a nuisance, the major reason that humans have tried so hard to control mosquitoes is because of the diseases they transmit. In fact, mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous animal in the world because they’re responsible for more deaths each year than any other animal.
The diseases caused by mosquitoes include:
- West Nile virus
- Dengue fever
- Yellow fever
- Chikungunya virus
- Zika virus
- Malaria
- Heartworm
Can mosquitoes spread AIDS? No, neither AIDS nor HIV is spread by mosquitoes.
Why Choose EcoTech Pest Control Services?
-
Local Experts, World-Class QualityOur locally owned team combines skilled technicians with backgrounds in customer service and pest control. Clean-cut, drug-free, and fully trained, we offer tailored solutions based on local pest knowledge.
-
Excellence, Every TimeOur technicians stay updated on the latest pest control techniques. With personalized attention and ongoing excellence, expect lasting results for your home or business.
-
Personalized Service, Top QualityOur team prioritizes cleanliness and safety, never overbooking to ensure quality. With us, your property gets the care it deserves, every time. Experience peace of mind with EcoTech Pest Control Services.
-
Sustainable Solutions, Reliable ResultsOur methods prioritize the environment and offer long-term results. With free inspections and a satisfaction guarantee, trust us for effective solutions that last.