A cool, wet spring could delay the start of peak pest season, but once the hot and humid summer weather kicks in, homeowners may experience increased mosquito activity.

What makes the Midwest region susceptible to intense mosquito populations? There are several reasons including:

• Climate – The St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield, and Kansas City areas have a humid climate, which is conducive to mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes thrive in warm and humid environments, and the Midwest provides the perfect conditions for them to reproduce.
• Proximity to Water Sources – Mosquitoes require standing water to breed, and St. Louis is located near several large bodies of water, including the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. These water sources provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Development – As area suburbs continue to expand more potential mosquito breeding sites with standing water are created that including storm drains, ditches, and even discarded containers.

The Mosquito Threat

In addition to being a nuisance when you are trying to enjoy quality outdoor time with family and friends, mosquitoes can present a more serious health threat to people and animals. Some of the dangers include:

Disease Transmission – Mosquitoes are known to transmit several diseases, including chikungunya, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These diseases can cause serious illness and even death.

Allergic Reactions – Some people may develop an allergic reaction to mosquito bites. This can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness.

Mosquitoes Make People Uncomfortable – Mosquito bites can be very itchy and uncomfortable, which can disrupt your sleep and daily activities.

Pet Health – Mosquitoes can also transmit heartworms to dogs, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Mosquito Control Solutions

To reduce the mosquito threat, homeowners need to take a multi-step approach. This includes removing any standing water around their property, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and working with a pest control professional on an effective solution.

Rottler Pest Solutions – through its Signature Plus program – will inspect your property and identify mosquito-breeding sites that pose a threat. These include shady areas under shrubs, plants, and trees where sunlight does not often reach, and where moisture can build up.

Other potential mosquito breeding areas include birdbaths, flowerpots, grill covers, children’s toys and sandboxes, baby pools, unopened swimming pools, tires, and other objects where water collects.

Once the breeding locations are identified, Rottler’s highly trained technicians will treat non-flowering plants with professional products specifically designed to control mosquito populations and prevent larvae for extended periods of time.

Additional steps homeowners can take to reduce the threat include:

• Not letting water collect in flowerpots and plant containers.
• Changing the water in birdbaths and wading pools once or twice a week.
• Turning backyard toys and wading pools upside down when not in use.
• Covering cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, fire barrels, rain barrels and tubs where water is stored.
• Disposing of tin cans, old tires, or any other unnecessary water containers.
• Draining and filling stagnant pools, puddles, ditches, or swampy places around the home.
• Cleaning out gutters of wet leaves and debris that could cause water backup.
• Regularly trim shrubs, plants, and other vegetation and removing tree stumps that may hold water.

Contact Rottler Pest Solutions

Rottler can help reduce mosquito populations with proven solutions. Call 877-768-8537 today to speak with one of our pest control specialists, or schedule your FREE inspection here.

See our blog Mosquito Season is Coming, Is Your Home Prepared?