No Bay Area pest control plan is complete if it doesn't account for mosquitoes. These pesky insects are more than just annoying – they're the most dangerous animal on Earth. That's because they spread a plethora of deadly diseases that claim the lives of up to a million people a year. Lucky for us, the deadliest diseases spread by mosquitoes no longer exist in California.
However, that doesn't mean we should take mosquitoes lightly. These biting insects still spread their fair share of illnesses right here in the Bay Area. That means getting rid of mosquitoes around your property is vital to the safety of both pets and people. The good news is there are plenty of ways to kill mosquitoes.
What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes In The Bay Area?
Mosquitoes may be dangerous and annoying in equal measure, but they serve a purpose. Mosquitoes play several vital roles in most of the ecosystems they inhabit – including here in the Bay Area. One essential purpose of mosquitoes is pollination. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitos' primary food source is nectar. Females only bite when they need protein to lay their eggs. The rest of the time, these bugs aren't bugging you; they're helping pollinate all kinds of plants.
Mosquitoes are also foundational to the food chain in many areas. Animals from spiders to lizards to bats eat mosquitoes. Since they're a key component of many creatures' diets, mosquitoes – along with termites and other ultra-numerous insects – serve as a building block for ecosystems' food chains. Even so, you should still take measures to keep mosquitoes away, including contacting Bay Pest Solutions.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control In The Bay Area
We've been trying to get rid of mosquitoes in California since the dawn of the 20th century. Malaria outbreaks in the Central Valley in the first decade of the 1900s led to the foundation of the first anti-malaria program in California in 1910. By 1915, the first mosquito control legislation was on the books. This legislation gave local governments powers to distribute funds and form abatement districts to help combat mosquito-borne diseases.
The 1915 law was eventually rendered obsolete by global efforts to combat malaria, which led to the eradication of the disease in California – and the rest of the US – by the late 70s. However, mosquitoes continue to threaten Bay Area residents with other deadly diseases, which is why it's vital to take every measure to combat them, from using smells mosquitoes hate to creating physical barriers to indoor access.
The Diseases Mosquitoes In The Bay Area Can Transmit
Mosquitoes spread several dangerous diseases in the Bay Area that pose a threat to both you and your pets, including:
- Heartworm
- Various forms of encephalitis
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
While death from these illnesses is rare, it isn't out of the question. Encephalitis, especially, is a serious threat to your life and your long-term health, as this disease can lead to permanent brain damage.
Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Bay Area Yard
There are tons of natural ways to kill mosquitoes or make your property less attractive to them. One of the best ways to control mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Get rid of all standing water around your property, whether it's in a container or caused by clogged drainage. Eliminating water has the dual benefit of killing existing mosquito larvae and ensuring females don't lay eggs.
Another great way to repel these little devils is to plant flowers or herbs that emit smells mosquitoes hate. These include:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
If you already have a mosquito infestation on your property, it's vital to do something about it right away to protect yourself and your pets. Fortunately, the best Bay Area pest control in the business is just a click or call away. Contact us here at Bay Pest Solutions. We've got more than 40 years of experience with local mosquito varieties, so you can rest assured you're protected year-round!