During the summer months, we like to enjoy our front and back yards as much as possible. But the constant presence of common, annoying pests such as mosquitoes can make that difficult. Keeping these pests at bay is important for a number of reasons.

Here is why you should consider using a mosquito control program for your home in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and other central Iowa areas.

Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases Such as West Nile Virus & Encephalitis

Mosquito bites alone are painful and itchy, but those bites can come with further complications that can lead to a hefty medical bill. Mosquito control for your property is necessary in order to mitigate the risks that come from mosquito bites. These pests can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and encephalitis.

West Nile Virus may not become severe when it is contracted, but in severe cases, symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and tremors can happen. Encephalitis is also rare but symptoms include fever, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and more. Zika virus is mild in most people, but if a pregnant woman were to catch it, it could greatly affect the growing fetus and cause birth defects.

Areas Where Mosquitoes Breed & Multiply in Your Yard

This mosquito is resting on a leaf of a West Des Moines, IA yard.

There are some areas where mosquitoes are known to breed and then multiply, and there are plenty of those areas in your central Iowa yard. One of the most common places to find mosquitoes is in stagnant water. This is often where mosquitoes will lay their eggs and female mosquitoes will typically lay eggs three times in their lifespan.

Other areas where mosquitoes will breed include sections of your yard that flood regularly. They may also seek refuge during the day under shady, dark leaves.

Female mosquitoes can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and those eggs are capable of hatching in just an inch of standing water.

Mosquito Bites Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Another issue that can be caused by mosquito bites is an allergic reaction to those bites, also referred to as Skeeter syndrome. This happens when a mosquito is in contact with your skin for at least six seconds. According to Healthline, mosquitoes seem to prefer certain types of people over others, including:

  • Men
  • Overweight people
  • Pregnant women
  • People who recently consumed beer
  • People who have exercised recently

Signs of Skeeter syndrome can include lesions, bruises near the bite, lymph system inflammation, hives, a large itchy area, and in some cases, anaphylaxis.

Keeping mosquitoes out of your yard can help to reduce instances of this occurring.

Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes from Invading Your Property & Biting You

The best way to keep these pests from invading your property is to schedule regular mosquito control treatments during the warmer months. At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we provide mosquito control starting in late spring going into the fall months. Our treatments create a perimeter around your home and we apply our treatments to any areas where it's likely that mosquitoes may be lurking or breeding.

Other methods you can employ include using bug spray whenever you go out and be mindful of your outfits. Mosquitoes are generally attracted to darker clothing and exposed skin, so wearing long pants and sleeves can help to deter them as well.

Do you need mosquito control treatments for your property?

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we have a strategy developed to attack mosquitoes and keep them away from you and your home. We've been in business for more than 20 years and know exactly how to treat your central Iowa property. Our service areas include Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and other nearby areas. Give us a call today at (515) 289-2020 to get started with our mosquito control program.