Some people would think of calling a company like Alpha Pest Control when they have issues with spiders, roaches or termites. But, if there is an issue with flying insects, especially mosquitoes, some might think it is just something they have to live with. The good news is, there are some very effective ways that the Alpha Pest Control team can help you alleviate problems with pesky flying bugs. Mosquitoes in Arizona are most prevalent from March through October.

Here are some of the questions that we’re asked most frequently about mosquitoes.

Why are mosquitoes only a problem when it is warm outside?

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded which means their body temperature is the same as the temperature outside. They are more adapted to warmer temperatures – they live their best life when it is at least 80 degrees outside. They hibernate when it is 50 degrees or below. Unfortunately for us Arizonans, they seem to love our triple digit summer temps and they can breed more when it’s hot outside. And, that’s not great news for us humans.

Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

We’re not 100% certain, but there has been research about this. Some experts think sweat, blood type, dark clothing and other factors, like even what you eat, might make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Using an insect repellant can certainly help. And, if you’re not bitten by a mosquito during one summer outing, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bite-free the next time.

And, FYI, only female mosquitoes bite.

If I have mosquitoes in my yard, do I just have to live with them?

It’s impossible to prevent all mosquitoes unless you put a bubble around your house. And, that’s not a thing. But, there are lots of methods that Alpha Pest can implement at your home to help control their population and make your backyard get togethers more enjoyable.

First, make sure you don’t have any standing water near your house. That could be water left in a dog dish, water pooling in your yard or a bucket that has collected rain water. Even a little bit of water can be a breeding ground for thousands of mosquitoes.

We have had great luck with mosquito buckets. There is water in the buckets along with some organic material. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in the bucket but they won’t hatch. We can also spray bushes and plants around your home with an insecticide that will kill any unlucky mosquitoes who land there. Read more about these treatments on our mosquito control blog.

How about bug zappers? Can they help?

Sorry, but no. Bug zappers attract bugs to their UV light, and then they are zapped with electricity. However, mosquitoes and flies are just not interested. Bug zappers are effective at killing some flying bugs, but not the ones that are really bothersome.

Do pools attract mosquitoes?

A well-maintained, chlorinated pool is not a mosquito haven. Chlorine makes it harder for their larvae to mature and breeding is their number one goal.

Mosquitoes bother me, but they’re no big deal, right?

Not exactly. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika. In Arizona, we will often hear about cases of West Nile Virus in the summer months. At the very least, mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable.

Do you expect there to be a lot of mosquitoes this summer?

Yes. Those warm temperatures will be upon us very soon. It has been an especially rainy winter and early spring in the Phoenix area, so we expect this will be a mosquito-filled summer. Call or text us at 480-968-0414 or send us an email. Let us help you reduce the population in your yard before these flying nightmares take over.