Florida might be famous for our beaches and our wildlife, but we are infamous for our mosquito problems. We have everything mosquitoes need to thrive, which is why we have a denser mosquito population than almost anywhere else in the country. It’s also why mosquito control in Coconut Creek can be such a problem. GOTBUGSIKILL can help you win your struggles against these annoying and potentially dangerous pests.
Are All Mosquitoes The Same?
You might think mosquitoes are all the same, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. We actually have multiple different breeds of mosquitoes here in South Florida. Each of these mosquitoes has its own unique behavior and look.
A few types of mosquitoes we have here in Coconut Creek include:
Yellow fever mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Southern house mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Eastern salt marsh mosquito
Not only do we have different species of mosquito here in Florida, but there’s also the fact that not all mosquitoes of the same species are equal. In fact, only the female half of the mosquito population bites at all. Most of the time, mosquitoes of both sexes feed on nectar. Females bite only when they are ready to lay eggs and need a hefty dose of protein to help them along.
You might think this would mean that you rarely get mosquito bites, but the unfortunate reality is that mosquitoes are just so numerous that there is almost never a dearth of biting mosquitoes from February to November in our area.
Different Mosquitoes Spread Different Diseases
Mosquito control is so vital because of the diseases that mosquitoes spread. Malaria is the deadliest mosquito-borne illness, and it is the main reason mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, killing more people every year than any other. Fortunately, local transmission of malaria in the United States is rare. However, that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods when it comes to mosquito-borne illness. There are still plenty of diseases to go around, and different types of mosquitoes spread different diseases.
For instance, the yellow fever mosquito can obviously spread yellow fever, especially outside of the United States, but it can also spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus right here in Florida. Meanwhile, the southern house mosquito can spread St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Choosing The Right Plants To Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
Repelling mosquitoes is not an easy task. Unfortunately, here in Florida, it can be even harder. The main reason why it is so difficult to keep mosquitoes off our properties in Coconut Creek is the climate. Our summers are hot and our winters are mild. Almost all year long, we have high humidity, and we have lots of rain and fresh water.
Even if you eliminate all the water sources around your property, you can still have a hard time keeping mosquitoes away. You might get rid of your bird baths and kiddie pools, but that doesn’t mean mosquitoes aren’t breeding in retention ponds or creeks near your property and then flying into your yard when they smell you or your pets.
Fortunately, there is a way to make your home less attractive to mosquitoes: herbs and flowers! Since mosquitoes eat nectar, you might think that there aren’t any flowers that can repel them, but this is not true. There are actually many different plant varieties that mosquitoes do not like, including:
Basil
Catnip
Citronella
Lavender
Lemongrass
Mint
Rosemary
These plants can help make your yard unappealing to mosquitoes, warding them off.
What’s The Best Way To Keep Mosquitoes Away From My Yard?
There are a few other ways you can make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes. Even though getting rid of standing water might not help as much as it would in drier locales, you should do it anyway. No reason to make it easier on them. Also, use mosquito repellent and wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors to avoid attracting mosquitoes while you are in your backyard. Unfortunately, even these preventive measures may not be enough, at least not here in South Florida. That’s why you will likely need mosquito treatment for your Coconut Creek property.
Here at GOTBUGSIKILL, our outdoor mosquito treatments can help repel these disease-carrying pests from your yard. We can treat places where mosquitoes like to breed and hide during the day, and we can also help you figure out if you have attractants on your property that you may have missed. So don’t hesitate. Give us a call or visit our contact page to get started today.
