Most people move to the south for the warmth and cost of living. Unfortunately, with the heat comes drawbacks: humidity and unwanted pests. Though we have many common area pests, in the summer, enjoying the outdoors without the threat of mosquitoes is always an issue. Perhaps you've found yourself wondering, 'how can I get rid of mosquitoes?'
Mosquitoes are an ever-present nuisance to life living in the south, particularly in Columbia. The city is located between the eastern coastline and some of the largest lakes in the state. It's no wonder mosquitoes are everywhere within the city, and some people have a healthy fear of mosquitoes. Below are a few common types of mosquitoes in South Carolina:
- Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito)
- Aedes Aegypti (yellow mosquito)
- Anopheles quadrimaculatus (quads)
Standing water is the number one breeding ground for mosquitoes, whether it's the ocean, lakes, ponds, or even water on the roadway! Add that to the consistent humidity of the south, and you have a mosquito haven in Columbia, South Carolina.
That's why many residents are left asking themselves, "How do I get rid of these mosquitoes?" You've come to the right place. Many people know that some essential oils, such as lavender, keeps mosquitoes away, but there are other ways to reduce mosquitoes in your yard.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control In Columbia
Perhaps you're wondering how do you get rid of mosquitoes in your yard when it seems like they are everywhere? It's true, mosquitoes swarm in South Carolina, but the heat and humidity of a concrete jungle can attract those pesky bugs like moths drawn to a flame. Residents and businesses alike are desperate for ways to kill mosquitoes.
In the past, people have tried everything from building wide streets to aerial spraying to planting foliage to keep mosquitoes away. However, though some of these strategies may eliminate a few mosquitoes, they don't even begin to put a dent in their prolific population. The problem isn't just killing the insects; it's ensuring they don't keep coming back! And they will. But there are reasons why.
Though these insects are an incredible nuisance, they do have some purpose. These pesky insects do more than just suck blood. Despite their bad wrap, they do contribute to the ecosystem in the following ways:
- Pollination: mosquitoes pollinate flowers and plants just like bees.
- The Food Chain: They are food for bats, birds, and amphibians.
- Decomposition: Mosquito larva help recycle nutrients in wastelands.
Think of mosquitoes as nature's movers and shakers, moving nectar and nutrients from one region to another. Unfortunately, mosquitoes don't just transport nectar and nutrients; they are notorious for spreading disease and illness.
The Diseases Transmitted By Mosquitoes
The number one reason people have a fear of mosquitoes is disease. While it's common knowledge that mosquitoes are prime transmitters of malaria and the Zika virus, there are many other illnesses these pests can pass to both humans and animals, including:
- Chikungunya
- West Nile Virus
- Encephalitis
- Yellow fever
- Dengue fever
- Heartworm
With these illnesses in mind, there are many more reasons to keep your home and family protected from the annoying bites of mosquitoes. Therefore, many people look for ways to kill mosquitoes in their Columbia yard.
Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Home
Mosquitoes don't need to be just kept away from inside your home since mosquitoes can lay eggs in any body of standing water, large or small. Regularly survey your property for pools of water, paying particular attention to birdbaths, tarps, buckets, and playground equipment.
Keeping areas clear of standing water is one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away from your yard or breeding near your property, but that is just one part of how to get rid of mosquitoes. Since they are flying insects, they can migrate from anywhere to your property, meaning that you may keep some from breeding in your yard, but you will still likely have a mosquito problem.
Therefore, you may turn to repellants to keep mosquitoes from biting you. Natural oils and plants such as lavender and lemon balm may mask your scent, but you will likely be better off spraying your clothes with CDC-approved repellants if you're in an area with a vibrant mosquito population.
Professional Mosquito Control With Go-Forth Home Services
In the end, the best way to protect your friends, family, and your pets from unwanted bites is by partnering with a professional. At Go-Forth Home Services, we have the experience and the resources to noticeably reduce the mosquito population in your yard.
Our trained experts at Go-Forth Home Services use professional equipment and industry-standard chemicals to ensure your family and pets are safe and healthy while keeping the pesky mosquitoes of Columbia away from your home. Reach out to us today to learn more about our mosquito control options.