Why Does My Lawn Attract Mosquitos?

mosquitoes in a puddle in the lawn breeding

How you water your lawn has a large impact on your lawn’s health. And that’s not just because too little water can lead to dry patches. Watering your lawn too much can be just as bad–and maybe even worse. It can stunt root growth and cause lawn diseases. It also serves as an open invitation to mosquitoes. That’s right: overwatering your lawn attracts mosquitos.

How Does Overwatering Your Lawn Attract Mosquitos?

An oversaturated lawn is like a day at the beach for mosquitoes. The grass forms a thick layer of thatch, which protects them from sunlight, predators, and even pesticides. This allows mosquitoes to congregate in large numbers safely, at which point they start breeding, and rather than a few annoying buzzers in your ear you’re suddenly dealing with a whole swarm.  

Try not to overwater, and make sure your lawn has good drainage. This will give you a healthier yard overall, and one that’s less likely to harbor mosquitoes.

Avoid Squishy Soil

The easiest way to know if you’re watering your lawn too much is the “step test.” Wait a few hours after your next watering, then step on the grass in a few different places. Soil with adequate drainage should feel normal. If, however, the lawn feels squishy or soggy where you stepped, you should water less.

Watch Out for Weeds and Fungus

In a properly watered yard, mushrooms and weeds should be relatively rare because the grass absorbs most of the water. When you water excessively, weeds and fungi are able to get the water they need to grow and produce. And it’s a vicious cycle, too: weeds and fungi attract pests, which further degrade your enjoyment of your yard.

Runoff Strips Nutrients from Your Lawn

Soil has a saturation point. Once it reaches that point, it’s unable to absorb any more. But the excess water has nowhere to go–so it turns into runoff. This runoff siphons off important nutrients as it flows into the sidewalk and gutter. This leaves your lawn less healthy overall, and less able to fend off diseases, pests, weeds and mushrooms.

Prevent Mosquito Outbreaks by Saving Water

Unless you’re in the midst of a heatwave, and even then, your lawn probably doesn’t need daily watering. Experts say that the ideal amount is about 1 – 1 ½ inches per week. That breaks down to about thirty minutes of sprinklers three times per week. So, give it a shot and see how your lawn responds. Less water will save you money on your monthly bill, and it’ll help mosquitoes to buzz off!

Experienced and Trusted Local Mosquito Control

Let’s say you’ve done everything you possibly can to prevent them, but your lawn is attracting mosquitos anyway. Well, that’s Michigan for you. But don’t worry–the expert exterminators at Griffin Pest Solutions can help. Our technicians will find the source and eliminate all of your mosquitoes and their eggs, so you can go back to enjoying your yard. We’ve been serving MI since 1929–over 90 years!–and we’d be proud to serve you.

Contact us today for a free quote.

Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard and Your Family

Do buzzing mosquitoes and itchy bites send you and your family running for cover and calamine lotion? We’ll uncover the facts about the animal kingdom’s most deadly pest and help you keep mosquitoes away so you can enjoy those great Michigan summer days.

Keeping mosquitoes from biting means good prevention and mosquito control. If you’ve got itchy bites, we’ll help you recover. You’ll find plenty of tips here and, when things go from bad to relentless bloodthirsty swarm, you’ve got Griffin Pest Control Solutions ready to take the bite out of your mosquito problem.

The Dangers of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They are deadly transmitters of several dangerous diseases including:

  • West Nile Virus produces flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks. About 80% of humans affected don’t show symptoms.
  • Chikungunya is a painful but rarely fatal disease lasting 2-3 weeks. It can cause severe joint and muscle pain resulting in a stooped appearance. The name, from the Kimakonde language of Mozambique and Tanzania, means “to become contorted.”

If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito and experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor. All these diseases are considered serious health risks.

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness
  • Nausea
  • Body aches
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Fatigue

How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching

Everyone has a different reaction to mosquito bites. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best treatments to soothe mosquito bites are to apply a cool compress or a medicated lotion like calamine or hydrocortisone to the bite. For stronger reactions, an oral antihistamine may bring sweet relief.

To better stop mosquito bites from itching, it may help to answer the question “Why do mosquito bites itch?” The answer is that when a mosquito bites you, it excretes an anticoagulant in its saliva that prevents your blood from clotting before it’s done feasting. Your body responds to this invasion and signals an allergic reaction in the location. The more strongly your body reacts, the more inflammation you’ll experience. Taking an antihistamine like Benadryl reduces the allergic response for people who are more sensitive.

How to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting Your Family

When you’re out casting your fishing line, hiking one of Michigan’s trails, or playing at a local park, protect your family with long sleeves and insect repellent approved by the CDC. The types of repellents proven most successful against mosquitoes are:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Para-methane-diol
  • IR3535
  • 2-undecanone

Applying one of these repellents can keep biting mosquitoes away for hours. Bug nets over strollers and baby carriers can spare young ones from bites as well if you’re worried about chemicals on their skin.

Mosquitoes tend to be most active during dusk. If you’re in a mosquito-heavy area, plan your activities accordingly.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard

The most important strategy for reducing mosquitoes in your yard is to remove standing water. By doing this, you eliminate breeding sites and areas where larvae and pupae can develop before they become adult mosquitoes.

To eliminate standing water, consider these steps:

  • Cover outdoor containers like trash cans or compost bins.
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and storm drains.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds.
  • Change water in birdbaths and fountains at least once a week.
  • Remove unused planters, tires, barrels etc. where water can pool.
  • Fill ditches where water collects.

In addition to removing standing water, you can landscape your yard to reduce mosquito habitat.

  • Trim bushes and shrubs.
  • Thin tree branches.
  • Keep grass mowed short.
  • Remove debris piles and leaves.

Mosquitoes favor a wet, shady environment with areas of thick foliage where they can hide during the daytime hours. Keep your yard sunny, open and dry to discourage them from moving in.

This video will tell you more:

Types of Mosquito Yard Treatment

Griffin uses a combination of chemical, mechanical and environmental techniques to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent new swarms from forming.

In addition to the preventative measures mentioned above, a professional mosquito spray or mosquito misting system can reduce the mosquito population near you. We can also use an insect growth regulator that intercepts the mosquito life cycle and prevents eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes.

For more information, visit our mosquito control page.

When Do Mosquitoes Go Away?

Mosquito season in Michigan feels endless and can range from April to as late as November with peak time landing around July. The population depends on temperature, humidity and rainfall.

At what temperature do mosquitoes die? It’s generally agreed that mosquitoes stop being a threat when the mercury dips below 50 degrees. Many will die off, but hearty females will hibernate and live to bite again. Most significantly, mosquito eggs hibernate through the winter and hatch when spring conditions are ripe. Therefore, it’s critical to remove standing water where eggs can survive, even if it’s frozen.

Michigan Mosquito Control

Michigan is a beautiful place to explore. We want you to enjoy the great outdoors, including your own yard. If you’re itching for some help, one of our pest control experts would be happy to discuss the best mosquito control options for your neck of the woods. Call or Contact Griffin today to reduce the buzz in your yard and increase the buzz about your yard.

How Long Do Mosquitoes Live?

Female mosquitoes (Spanish for “little flies”) are the survivors of the species. They typically live two to three weeks but have been known to survive in sheltered areas for up to six months. Male mosquitoes live significantly shorter lives and rarely make it past ten days.

Understanding the mosquito life span illuminates the ways in which you can reduce the population of these vampiric vermin around your home. Though they may not live long, the reproductive power built into their cycle means new swarms are always on the horizon. We can help you find ways reduce the drone of the buzzing biters near you.

Why DO Mosquitoes Bite Us?

Mosquitoes need your blood to perpetuate their species. Without the protein in the blood that you and other sources supply, female mosquitoes are unable to produce and lay eggs. The males are the innocent bystanders here, subsisting only on sugary plant nectars.

Mosquitoes find their prey primarily by sensing carbon dioxide released from organisms breathing within 100 feet. Scientists also believe that mosquitoes can detect body heat Mosquitoes may even be attracted to clothing that contrasts with its background.

Once a female mosquito locates her prey, she inserts her long, needle-like proboscis into their skin. To keep blood from clotting and trapping her while she drinks, the mosquito releases an anticoagulant. This is the source of the itch we feel during and long after the bite. Our bodies respond by releasing a histamine to increase the flow of white blood cells to the bite location. This is why you experience the tell-tale inflammation and bump.

The Mosquito Life Cycle

Diagram of the mosquito life cycle

Mosquitoes don’t spend their entire lives as winged harbingers of itchiness. There are four phases they pass through to transform from egg to adult.

  • Eggs. Once a female has acquired the necessary protein to produce eggs, she lays between 100-200 eggs in water or wet areas. These eggs are patient and can survive up to three months without moisture.
  • Larvae. The eggs hatch into hairy worms known as “wigglers.” They feed on microorganisms in the water.
  • Pupae. Like a butterfly, the larvae go into a pupae stage and metamorphosize. During this two to seven day phase, these “tumblers” are inactive.
  • Adult. The fully grown mosquitoes hatch from the pupae. Once their wings are dry, they are ready to join the mating swarm that will start the cycle over again.

This entire process can occur within a span of days or could take weeks, depending on the species of mosquito and climate. Warm, humid weather speeds the process, making Michigan summers a prime time for propagation.

How You Can Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Home

Understanding the life span and cycle of these pests can help you keep them away from your family. Here are a few ways you can reduce the population of these prickly pests:

Eliminate standing water. Female mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs; without it they have no means of producing the next generation. Empty out pools, planters, tires and anywhere water may pool. If you have bird baths or fountains, change the water frequently or use a pump to aerate the water.

Use insect repellents. DEET is universally regarded as the best topical defense against mosquitoes. Picaridin, eucalyptus, lemon and Citronella have also proven effective.

Avoid prime time. Mosquitoes fear dehydration and avoid sunny daytime hours. Dawn and dusk are when they are most active.

Maintain doors and windows. Keep screens repaired to minimize home invasion.

Stopping mosquitoes at any stage disrupts their ability to multiply and terrorize you. A little prevention brings a lot of peace-of-mind.

What’s the Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

mosquito swarm

Understanding these annoying and potentially dangerous insects makes it easier to avoid them. During their short lives they go through a lot of changes that you can interrupt. Keep yourself free and clear by upkeeping your home and yard and by planning ahead before you go outside.

If you’ve reached that point where you hear buzzing all the time and can’t escape that constant feeling of itchiness all over, it may be time for a more serious effort. Call or get in touch with Griffin Pest Solutions right away. We can help you drastically shorten the mosquito life span of the population near you.

Can Mosquitoes or Other Pests Spread the Coronavirus?

What is rodent exclusion; Griffin Pest Solutions

Short answer: it’s highly unlikely. The World Health Organization has definitively stated that mosquitoes do not spread the coronavirus. The CDC has no data to suggest that ticks or mosquitoes can transmit the disease, either. Likewise, the CDC considers the risk of COVID-19 transmission from animal contact very low.

The coronavirus spreads primarily when a person comes into contact with respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Someone may directly inhale or otherwise come into contact with an infected person’s droplets after that person sneezes or coughs, for instance. Though it isn’t theoretically impossible to contract the coronavirus from certain animal pest droplets, there’s evidence that it has ever happened.

Pests aren’t considered a major risk factor for transmitting the coronavirus because of the way most pest disease transmission works. Here’s what you should know about how pest borne transmission, the spread of the coronavirus, and protecting yourself from pest borne diseases of all kinds:

How pest borne transmission works

Different pests transmit diseases in different ways. Infamously, mosquitoes and ticks transmit diseases through their bites. Whenever mosquitoes or ticks feed, they may introduce diseases that were present in their previous prey’s blood into their current victim’s bloodstream. Mosquitoes and ticks are infamous bloodborne disease vectors. In fact, mosquitoes are considered one of the most deadly animals in the world for their ability to spread very serious diseases like malaria, the west nile virus, or yellow fever.

Other pests spread diseases less directly. Rodents can spread disease through their bites, but most you’re more likely to contract a disease from a rodent after inadvertently coming into contact with their waste. Rodents may also act as transports for other disease vectors such as fleas (you probably remember learning that this was how the Black Plague spread). Roaches are another serious disease vector, but they don’t bite at all. Instead, they contaminate surfaces and food sources with waste that you may contact or ingest.

Why the coronavirus is unlikely to spread via pests

The COVID-19-causing virus SARS-CoV-2 does not circulate in the bloodstream, meaning ticks and mosquitoes do not ingest it when feeding. Even if the pests did somehow ingest the disease, it would have to not only survive the digestion process but also transfer to the mosquito or tick’s salivary glands in order to be transmitted during a subsequent feeding. There is no evidence that this process is even possible, and no evidence that anyone has contracted COVID-19 from a mosquito or tick bite.

The possibility of COVID-19 spreading through pest waste is also very low. Researchers have found evidence that animals may contract the disease, but there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 has been found in some infected human (not pest) waste, but it’s unknown whether the disease could be contracted from this waste. In other words, in order to contract COVID-19 from pest waste, that pest would have to contract COVID-19 in the first place, and then COVID-19 would have to survive in that pest’s waste until you came into contact with it. There is no evidence that this has ever happened.

To summarize: COVID-19 is not a bloodborne disease, so mosquitoes and ticks cannot transmit it through their bites. We aren’t 100% sure whether COVID-19 could be contracted through contact with pest waste, but the possibility is very low. Even if you came into contact with pest droplets, there’s no evidence that those droplets would be infected.

What about the first case of COVID-19?

Yes, the COVID-19 causing virus SARS-CoV-2 was initially zoonotic, meaning it naturally occurred in animals and transferred to humans. We know that the virus was first contracted by people in the Wuhan region of China in late December 2019. Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 likely has an ecological origin in bat populations. The WHO believes there also may have been an intermediate animal source between bats and humans.

Given the facts, a common rumor explaining the origin of COVID-19 is that the first person to contract the disease from animals did so by consuming food that contained an infected animal’s remains purchased at the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market. No experts have substantiated this rumor. It is also possible that people initially contracted the virus from contact or consumption of animal waste, for instance. That is probably how ebola first migrated to people. All cases of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from human cases are very genetically similar. This suggests a single, initial introduction to the human population, which people subsequently spread amongst themselves. In other words, while COVID-19 may have started in animals, it spreads from person to person–not from animals (or pests) to people.

Key takeaways

First and foremost: it is very unlikely you will contract the coronavirus from contact with pests. Mosquitoes and ticks can’t transmit it, and it’s very unlikely it exists in pest waste. Human respiratory droplets are the primary means by which COVID-19 spreads. Minimize your chances of encountering (or spreading!) the disease by staying home when possible, observing social distancing rules, washing your hands frequently, and wearing a mask when out in public.

That being said, there are still (as always) good reasons to practice integrated pest control during shelter in place. If you’re worried about the people in your home or your pets touching pest waste, the best way to prevent it is to A) remove pests from your home and B) thoroughly clean areas where they may have produced waste. Pests may not transmit the coronavirus, but keeping them out is an important way to keep your home clean… which is especially important when you’re stuck inside!

 

If you want COVID-19-conscious, safe pest control that’s just as effective as ever, give Griffin a call any time. We’ve altered our pest control treatments to minimize contact without compromising our results. Read more about how we’re staying safe during the outbreak here, and get in touch whenever you need pest help. We’ll solve your problem, no ifs, ants, or bugs. Stay safe!

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Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter?

People like to venture to warmer climes during the winter. Snowbird grandparents flee to Arizona or Florida. Lucky vacationers take planes to anywhere they can find that isn’t covered in snow and ice. College kids escape abroad for their winter breaks. The only downside these individuals can find in traveling to warmer places is that warm weather means mosquitoes. During the winter, at least, they can avoid that particular creature. Right? 

Wrong! It’s a popular misconception that mosquitoes die off in the winter. That’s not quite what happens to them. If you’ve ever wondered where mosquitoes actually go when the snow starts to fall, you’re in the right place.

So: where do mosquitoes go in winter?

The answer to this question is different depending on the gender of the mosquito. Male mosquitoes don’t make it past autumn’s leaf fall. Their life span is, on average, no longer than ten days. Females, on the other hand, can survive the winter. 

They’re able to do this by going dormant – a state similar to hibernation. They’ll find a safe place like a hollow log, animal burrow, or out-of-the-way corner of someone’s home. Females can remain in this state throughout the winter, for up to six months. Now that you know where mosquitoes are during the winter, you’re probably wondering: what happens when they wake up again?

Is there anything I can do to prevent spring infestations?

In the spring, there aren’t any male mosquitoes around. Unfortunately, however the female mosquitoes waking up usually have eggs to deposit. This makes spring the most dangerous time for people who are wary of mosquito infestations. The females need blood to help their eggs develop, so when the weather warms they wake up and are out seeking blood. How do you prevent them from harassing you and your home? 

  • Use mosquito repellent outdoors. This won’t prevent infestations. It will, however, help you avoid aggressive biting from female mosquitoes during spring months. 
  • Use candles when you’re going to be outdoors. Mosquitoes are repelled by certain oils used in outdoor candles. Citronella, clove, cedarwood, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are all valid options. 
  • Remove any standing water from your property. This won’t keep them from biting, but it can help keep them from lingering. Mosquitoes need still, standing water to lay their eggs. Don’t let puddles develop on your property and they won’t have anywhere to infest.
  • Clean up random debris. Mosquitoes love standing water, yes, but it’s not the only place they’re willing to lay eggs. They can also make do with especially damp soil or debris with existing decay. This can include piles of leaves, mulch, or decaying woodpiles. Keep your outdoor space clean and free of decay to prevent mosquitoes from calling it their home.

It doesn’t matter the time of year – if you have a mosquito problem, Griffin Pest can help. Give us a call. Our experts can help diagnose and solve your pest problems, mosquito-based or otherwise. Not only can we remove existing infestations, but we can also teach you to better prevent future ones as well.

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Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Michigan?

Mosquitoes need water to reproduce and grow.

Michigan natural topography is perfect for mosquitoes in several ways. First, the bloodsuckers need water to reproduce and grow. They’re most attracted to standing water found in wetlands. Next, mosquitoes prefer heavily forested areas. Finally, they love humid environments. Michigan’s wetlands, forests, and humid summers make it a mosquito paradise.

Just because there are mosquitoes all over Michigan doesn’t mean they have to be all over you, however. No matter how nasty the mosquito season gets this summer, you can take steps to keep yourself safe from them. All it takes is understanding what they want and how you can keep them from getting it. We can help with that. Here’s what you should know about Michigan’s many mosquitoes, and how to keep them away:

When are mosquitoes most active?

Everybody knows summer is mosquito season, but just how bad that season will be is actually determined in spring. Mosquito population rises and falls based on humidity, temperature, and rainfall. The easier it is for the pests to access standing water, the more frequently they’ll reproduce and lay eggs. The more it rains, the more rainwater collects in the form of puddles, run-off, and other standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs wherever puddles are available, and the mosquito population explodes.

Like most insects, mosquitoes are also cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external heat to keep them warm. Developing mosquito such as eggs and larvae are particularly sensitive to external temperature. Mosquito larvae can’t grow until the air temperature is at least 44°F. The higher the air temperature, the faster mosquitoes grow. The faster they grow, the faster they can mate… and produce more mosquitoes. Warm, rainy springs mean huge mosquito populations come summer time.

Why are there so many mosquitoes around me?

Why are so many mosquitoes around me?

When we say standing water, you probably picture puddles, brackish ponds, and swamps. Those all certainly count, but they aren’t the only water sources that attract droves of the bloodsucking pests. Mosquitoes only need a tiny amount of moisture to survive, thrive, and reproduce. Mosquitoes are attracted to any environment where the ground remains wet for long periods of time. If those environments happen to be shady, warm, and near food, they’re even better.

If you feel like there are too many mosquitoes near your home, it’s probably because they’re reproducing nearby. They prefer to live outside, but they can and will reproduce anywhere with standing water. The more water and warmth they have, the faster they’ll hatch, grow, reproduce, and lay more eggs. A mosquito can also re-use the same sources of water over and over. If you have a hidden puddle in your home, they’ll use it to multiply all season long.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Yes, unfortunately, mosquitoes can be dangerous. Mosquitoes are infamous for biting people and sucking their blood. The bloodsuckers are one of the most medically important–and problematic–carriers and spreaders of dangerous diseases worldwide. They can carry and transmit Malaria, Zika virus, the West Nile virus, and other dangerous diseases via their bites. Some mosquitoes in Michigan are confirmed to carry the West Nile virus. Mosquito-driven outbreaks of the West Nile virus have occurred in Michigan every summer since 2002.

West Nile virus is actually an infection carried in the blood of birds. Mosquitoes of the Culex genus pick up by feeding on an infected bird. Then, when they feed on people, they pass the virus on via their saliva. About one in 150 people infected with the West Nile virus experience severe symptoms. It’s most dangerous to people over 50 years old or with pre-existing medical conditions. 80% of people infected by the West Nile virus display no symptoms at all.

How can I keep mosquitoes away from my home?

How can I keep mosquitoes away from my home?

Now that you know what mosquitoes want, you should have a good idea of how to prevent them. Keeping mosquitoes away from your home is about controlling their access to moisture. Start inside. Look of any hidden plumbing leaks, or sources of excess condensation or runoff. Make sure your basement, attic, and lower levels are dry. Consider investing in a dehumidifier. Try to find and patch up drafts, as they can leak hot air inside and generate humidity.

It’s trickier to prevent mosquitoes outside, because they require so little moisture. Start by testing your drainage system. Make sure your gutters successfully catch water and it off of your roof. Clear your downspouts and test them to ensure they’re directing water away successfully. You should also test your sump pump. After you’ve tested your drainage system, check your whole lot for moisture. Fix wet or sunken spots you encounter proactively. If you have water features, try to make sure the water stays circulating

 

Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to avoid mosquitoes in Michigan altogether, especially during the summer. They can breed anywhere there’s water and eat anywhere there are people or animals. By understanding what mosquitoes want, however, you can at least keep them from breeding in your home.

If you’re having trouble keeping mosquitoes away, don’t worry! Just call Griffin Pest Solutions anytime. Our experts can wipe out your pests and help keep them away for good. Don’t ruin your summer by worrying about mosquito bites. Just get educated, get help, and get back out into the sun!