It’s that time of year again. Frequent flyers are out and about, and we’re not talking about your well-traveled neighbor. With summer just around the corner, you’re likely already noticing the increase in outdoor pest activity, including mosquitoes. Check out the answers to frequently asked questions about mosquitoes and prepare yourself for the busy—and buzzy—season ahead.

Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?

In many cases, yes, mosquitoes can bite through your clothes. Because mosquitoes are so small and use a tiny blood-sucking proboscis to extract their dinner, they’re often able to penetrate through the weave of textile clothing. This shouldn’t deter you from wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants where mosquitos are active, however, as these can inhibit the mosquitos and provide more time for you to swat or smack them away.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

When a female mosquito bites you, she simultaneously injects your skin with some of her own salivae. The saliva contains an anticoagulant that prevents your blood from clotting while she feeds. Your body’s immune system identifies this substance as a foreign invader and immediately goes to work. The itching and swelling often caused by a mosquito bite are a result of the histamine in your body sending white blood cells to combat the invading substance.

Does bug repellent spray expire?

If you use repellents with the active ingredient DEET, your product will never expire. DEET lasts indefinitely inside of a bottle, and it won’t lose potency over time. If you use a product containing IR3535 or other active ingredients, you will have to be cognizant of its expiration date. Products using IR3535 typically have a shelf life of three years or less.

Are mosquito bites dangerous?

In terms of the bite itself, no, it isn’t dangerous to your health—only a nuisance. What’s problematic about mosquitoes is that they can carry a number of harmful diseases, such as the Zika and West Nile viruses and the parasite that causes malaria. When you are bitten by an infected mosquito, it deposits the pathogen directly into your bloodstream, which can then cause you to become extremely ill. Mosquito-related illnesses are relatively rare in North America compared to many other places in the world, but the most effective way to prevent the possibility of contracting a mosquito-transmitted disease is through effective pest control and the use of insect repellent.

Will mosquitoes bite my pets?

Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t picky. They’re happy to feed on just about any mammal, including your dogs, cats, and livestock. Your furry friends are also susceptible to harmful diseases and infections transmitted by mosquitoes including heartworms and, in the case of horses, viruses that cause encephalitis. To protect your pets and other domesticated animals from mosquitoes, try to keep them inside during peak hours of exposure, such as summer nights and mornings.

Related Article: The Importance of Pet-Friendly Pest Control

Can I be bitten by mosquitoes during the day?

While mosquitoes are primarily active during twilight hours, it’s possible for you to be bitten during the day. Some species of mosquitoes are actually more active during the day, and if you live in a heavily wooded or shady area, mosquitoes are more likely to be present and active regardless of the time. Be aware of your surroundings, and use insect repellent whenever you could be exposed.

How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes in my yard?

Mosquitoes nest and thrive in damp areas. Because of this, one of the best ways to reduce the mosquito population in your lawn is to reduce or remove all standing water. By doing so, you’ll eliminate the conditions that attract mosquitoes to your yard in the first place. You can also use insect repellent products throughout your property or have your home professionally treated by a local pest control company.

Don’t let mosquitoes inhibit your outdoor plans; trust the professionals at Springer! Our team of pest control professionals can assess your property, identify any problem spots, and treat the area for unwanted pests. With the help of Springer, you can enjoy your yard no matter what season it happens to be. Contact us to begin tackling your mosquito problem.

Answers to FAQs About Mosquitoes

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