Mosquito Control

Why Are There Mosquitoes in My House? What Attracts Them?

Mosquitoes are insects that, in addition to being unpleasant, can represent a real health problem for humans. So, it is crucial to understand why these pests invade our homes and what are the things that attract them.

Stagnant Water: an Ideal Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, making it a key breeding ground. Thus, the presence of stagnant water in or around your home can encourage the proliferation of these insects. This can include flower boxes, gutters, used tires, poorly maintained swimming pools or any other container filled with water.

To prevent mosquito breeding, it is therefore essential to regularly monitor these water sources and eliminate them if necessary. To do this, empty containers containing water and clean gutters. If you have a swimming pool, be sure to maintain it by using appropriate products and filtering the water properly.

Mosquitoes Seek Food: Blood and Odors

Mosquitoes, especially females, are attracted to blood, which they take from humans and animals to feed and lay their eggs. Mosquitoes detect their prey by the CO2 fumes we produce when we breathe. They are also attracted to certain body odors, especially sweat.

To limit the risk of being bitten, try to minimize body odor by showering and using appropriate personal care products. You can also use specific repellents to keep mosquitoes away. Finally, remember to close windows and install screens to prevent these insects from entering your home.

Asian Tiger Mosquitos: a Particularly Invasive Species

The Asian tiger mosquito is a species native to Southeast Asia that has spread to many countries. It is particularly aggressive and can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya or zika.

Asian tiger mosquitoes are attracted by the same factors as other species of mosquitoes (stagnant water, blood, odors), but they also have some particularities. Indeed, they are active during the day and are particularly resistant to insecticides. To fight against this species, it is therefore essential to reinforce prevention and protection measures, to call a pest control company near you and to report their presence to the competent authorities.

Mosquitoes and Light: an Irresistible Attraction

Mosquitoes are also attracted to light, especially artificial light. This explains why they are often present in homes at night, when interior lights are on.

To reduce the attraction of mosquitoes to your home, it is recommended that you limit light sources at night. For example, you can install opaque curtains or roller blinds to keep the light out. Also consider turning off outdoor lights, or replacing them with LED bulbs, which are less attractive to mosquitoes.

What Methods Do Pest Control Companies Use to Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

To get rid of these invasive insects, it is essential to use effective and appropriate methods. Professional pest control companies are able to offer solutions for every situation and every type of mosquito.

Mechanical and Preventive Treatment Against Mosquitoes

The first step in the fight against mosquitoes is to implement preventive measures to avoid their appearance and multiplication. Pest control companies often offer mechanical and preventive treatment solutions to eliminate sources of standing water and areas that are conducive to mosquito breeding.

These treatments include:

• Regularly cleaning gutters, rainwater tanks and other areas where water may stagnate.
• Covering water tanks with mosquito nets to prevent mosquito access.
• Use natural repellents, such as aromatic plants (lavender, citronella, geranium) to keep mosquitoes away.
• Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

In addition to mechanical and preventive treatments, some pest control companies also offer solutions for monitoring and controlling mosquito populations using larval traps or insect population tracking devices.

Use of Chemical Insecticides for Mosquito Control

When a mosquito infestation occurs, chemical treatments are often necessary to quickly and effectively eradicate these pests. Pest control companies have a wide range of insecticides suitable for mosquito control.

These insecticides can be applied in different forms, depending on the needs and specifics of each situation:

• Liquid insecticide spraying: this method consists of spraying a chemical product on surfaces infested by mosquitoes. It allows to quickly eliminate the insects present and to leave a residual effect to prevent reinfestation.
• Aerosolized insecticide spraying: this technique allows for the rapid and even treatment of large areas. It is often used in addition to other treatment methods to reinforce their effectiveness.
• Application of insecticide powders or granules: these products can be applied in areas where mosquitoes pass through or around water points to eliminate them on contact. 

It is important to note that the use of chemical insecticides must be carried out by trained and equipped professionals to ensure the safety of people and the environment. In addition, some insecticides can pose health or ecosystem risks when used improperly, so it is essential to seek expert advice for their implementation.

Biological and Ecological Treatment Against Mosquitoes

Faced with the environmental and health issues associated with the use of chemical insecticides, many pest control companies offer biological and environment-friendly solutions for mosquito control.

Among the biological treatment methods, we can mention :

• The use of natural predators, such as fish, birds or bats, which feed on larvae and adult mosquitoes. These animals can be introduced or encouraged in infested areas to reduce mosquito populations in a natural and sustainable way.
• The use of specific bacteria, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which is an effective biological control agent for mosquito larvae. Bti can be deposited in standing water to kill larvae and prevent their development.

These environment-friendly methods are usually combined with prevention and monitoring measures to reduce the risk of reinfestation and ensure long-term control of mosquito populations.

When faced with a mosquito infestation, it is crucial to respond quickly to prevent the spread of these pests. Pest control companies are often able to provide emergency response to deal with mosquito problems quickly. These rapid interventions make it possible to limit the health risks and inconveniences caused by mosquitoes, by quickly eliminating the insects present and by putting in place prevention measures to avoid their return.