Despite being one of the worst pests for homeowners to deal with, mosquitoes do serve an important purpose. They've been around for millions of years. These pests are a nuisance but a critical part of the food chain with significant benefits to nature's growth. There are over 3,500 known types of mosquitoes on the planet, and not all of them bite human beings.
A world without mosquitoes sounds like a wonderful place to live, but unfortunately, they're here for good. Learn more in this informative guide about the purpose of mosquitoes and how Go-Forth Home Services can keep them away from your property.
Mosquitoes Are Much Needed to Maintain Our Eco-System
There are two main benefits of mosquitoes: serving as a food source and pollinating plants and flowers. Whether they are in larval or adult form, many different animals depend on mosquitoes for nourishment. They are a popular snack for animals like hummingbirds, bats, fish, and turtles. Removing mosquitoes from the environment would cause noticeable harm to portions of the food chain.
Like bees, mosquitoes are pollinators and play a big role in maintaining plant life. Although they feed on blood, flower nectar is actually their main food source. Males don't feed on blood at all and need nectar to survive. Pollen sticks onto a mosquito's eye and onto other flowers as they fly around from plant to plant. While most plants don't rely on any one species for pollination, some variations of orchids depend on mosquitoes to reproduce.
The History of Mosquito Control
Humans have come up with ways to keep mosquitoes away for centuries. Native Americans relied on specific plants as natural deterrents and spread them throughout their communities. Plants like marigolds, lemongrass (or citronella), and rosemary are still used by homeowners today and are effective repellents. Over time, as humans spread across the globe, they became more susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria. In the mid-1800s, it was discovered that kerosene killed mosquitoes when mixed with water and was approved as an appropriate treatment. Later, people would use an oil-based copper solution to kill larvae.
DDT was discovered in the late 1930s and quickly became a popular mosquito repellent. About 30 years later, scientists realized that this formula had negative effects on the liver and caused cancer. Today, we use DDT very sparingly, and instead, professionals use safer repellents. To keep mosquitoes off your property, try these natural solutions:
- Make sure all screened windows and doors are free of holes and damage.
- Get rid of standing water sources.
- Use outdoor fans.
- Keep your lawn trimmed.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs.
When home remedies fail, it might be time to call in the experts. Professional exterminators like Go-Forth Home Services make your family's health and safety a top priority and use only the latest treatment solutions.
Why Do Mosquitoes Need Blood to Live?
Blood provides mosquitoes with nutrients essential for their survival, like proteins and amino acids. Only females feed on blood and depend on it for successful reproduction. Mosquitoes can’t produce eggs without blood, and they need blood within their system at the time of mating. When properly fed, female mosquitoes can lay up to 100 eggs at a time.
Everything You Should Know about Mosquito Control
The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is through an experienced exterminator. Go-Forth Home Services has been a go-to source of mosquito pest control in Columbia since 1959. We target mosquitoes at every stage in their life cycle, so they stay away from your property. Call us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment.