Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than annoying; some species can spread serious diseases. If mosquitoes are preventing you from enjoying your patio or leaving itchy bites all summer, here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide on what to watch for and what to do about them, from the pros at Bizzy Bee Exterminators.

What Are Mosquitoes?

Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) are the most common mosquito species in Atlanta. Their black-and-white striped bodies and legs make them easy to identify. These mosquitoes are active during the day and can transmit diseases through their bites.

Mosquito Identification

Size & Appearance

• About ⅛ inch long
• Black and white striped legs
• Black bodies with white markings, including a white stripe down their backs
• Elongated and segmented bodies 
• Six legs, a pair of wings, and bushy antennae

Behavior & Habits

• Daytime biters (peak activity during early morning and late afternoon) 
• Can remain active all year if the temperature remains above 50℉ 
• Both sexes eat nectar and plant juices
• Only females bite humans and animals to get blood for egg production
• Lay eggs in as little as a half-inch of standing water

Signs of Infestation

• Seeing adult mosquitoes flying around
• Hearing that high-pitched buzzing sound near your ears
• Finding mosquito bites after being outdoors
• Spotting mosquito larvae or eggs in standing water

Why Mosquitoes Are a Problem 

Everyone would agree that mosquitoes are annoying. They swarm around when you’re outside, buzz in your ear, and cover you in itchy bites. However, all of this annoyance pales compared to the dangers they cause through their bites. 

Asian tiger mosquitoes spread several dangerous diseases through their bites. These diseases include West Nile virus, chikungunya, dengue fever, and Eastern equine encephalitis. Although some of these diseases cause mild flu-like symptoms in most people, they can also lead to serious illnesses or even death, in rarer cases.

Common Mosquito Breeding and Resting Sites

Mosquitoes thrive anywhere there’s standing water. Asian tiger mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed. Look for eggs or larvae in:

• Clogged gutters
• Birdbaths
• Tires
• Plant pots and trays
• Buckets, toys, or other items that collect rainwater

Adults often rest in shaded, humid spots like tall grass, shrubs, and leaf piles. While they can slip indoors through open doors or windows, most issues are outdoors.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes in the Yard

To reduce mosquito populations, you need to make your yard less inviting. Try these prevention tips:

• Eliminate standing water around your property
• Unclog gutters and drains
• Refresh birdbaths regularly
• Keep grass trimmed and shrubs cut back
• Remove lawn debris like leaf litter and branches
• Avoid overwatering plants and grass
• Use screens on windows and doors

DIY Control vs. Professional Mosquito Treatments

While the prevention tips suggested above will help reduce Asian tiger mosquito populations, you may still have a sizable population around your property since they can travel up to half a mile. For optimal results, you’ll want to contact a professional pest control company like Bizzy Bee Exterminators for mosquito control. 

Professional mosquito control is effective in eliminating adult mosquitoes and stopping new ones from hatching. Although 100% mosquito elimination is impossible, treatments drastically reduce their numbers so you can enjoy your outdoor living space all season long!

How Bizzy Bee Exterminators Treats Mosquitoes 

At Bizzy Bee Exterminators, we use science-based methods targeting mosquitoes at every life stage. By treating breeding areas and applying effective yard treatments, we stop populations from growing and give you back your outdoor space.

FAQs About Mosquitoes

What happens if you get bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito?

Most bites result in itchy red bumps that last a few days. However, some bites may transmit disease, leading to flu-like symptoms—or in rare cases, severe illness.

What keeps mosquitoes away?

The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to eliminate their breeding and resting sites and to sign up for a mosquito control plan. If you have to spend time in an area where mosquitoes are present, wear long sleeves and pants and use a bug spray with DEET in it.

Do all mosquitoes bite?

Only female mosquitoes bite. This is because female mosquitoes need blood to reproduce, and the blood meal is essential for egg production.

Contact Our Local Pros for Mosquito Control

If mosquitoes are ruining your time outdoors, it’s time to act. Eliminate standing water where you can, then contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators for a mosquito control plan that keeps your yard comfortable all season long.

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