What Conditions Make Greenville, IL Perfect for Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are insects that belong to the Diptera category, or in layman’s terms the fly category. These insects not only leave red and itchy bites but they can also spread serious diseases such as Malaria. Male mosquitoes typically only live for one week and do not bite, although female mosquitoes can live for up to eight weeks and feed on human blood for the production of new eggs. Female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at a time that within eight days will develop into fully grown mosquitoes. This rapid life cycle can quickly and easily cause infestations and lead home and business owners in Greenville, IL to seek pest control services.
Hot Weather
Mosquitoes hibernate during the winter but thrive in hot weather. Typically, mosquito season begins when temperatures reach or exceed 50° F. On average in Greenville, IL, temperatures exceed 50° F for an extended period between April and October. These conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to exist in, making infestations a common occurrence in the area.
It is also important to know that as the temperature increases, as does the risk of mosquito infestation. This means that mosquitos are most prevalent in the hottest summer months, which in Greenville, IL are July and August. Pest control services are therefore most advisable during these high-risk months.
Rain Fall and Water
Many types of mosquitos breed and lay their eggs in standing water and some eggs only hatch once water reaches them. In Greenville, IL approximately 40 inches of rain falls each year and the months of July and August experience the highest rates of rainfall. These rain showers often leave standing water that can attract mosquitoes.
High temperatures and rainfall in the summer months make the conditions in Greenville, IL perfect for mosquitoes to live and breed in. Therefore, it is important to reduce or eliminate stagnant water left behind by rain showers. Gutters, birdbaths, ponds, pools, and buckets are all examples of areas where standing water can collect in your yard and these areas should be monitored and any water should be regularly changed.
If you have a swimming pool, pool covers can collect standing water but mosquitoes usually stay away from well-maintained pools. However, if you do not use your swimming pool for long periods of time they are likely to be drawn to the standing water.
Pests that love summer heat in Edwardsville, IL
Whether you live or go to school in the Edwardsville, IL area, you know that summer means high temps, days at the pool and a litany of fun activities. However, it’s not all fun and games for Midwesterners as the season heats up. While this area can be great for float trips and all types of summer enjoyment, it’s also a time for many pests to play as well. However, how do you limit pests while maximizing the fun you have this year. Well, the first step is becoming familiar with the enemy. Here are the pests you should look out for as the weather heats up and what you can do to limit your exposure!
Mosquitoes
When it comes to summer pests, there are few more feared than the dreaded mosquito. Not only do mosquito bites cause itching, but they can also spread serious illnesses that will have you worrying about a whole other problem.
While your municipality likely treats for mosquitoes, you may still see them in numbers this season. To prevent mosquitoes, limit any standing water around your home, as this is a breeding ground for the insect. Additionally, store-bought bug sprays, fly paper or citronella candles may help protect you while enjoying time outside.
Stinging Insects
The summer brings an unending onslaught of stinging insects to worry about. Whether it’s carpenter bees that bore holes in your wood deck or wasps that build nests underneath ledges, limiting nesting areas will also limit untimely meetings right outside of your front door.
To limit stinging insects, you can pick up a few cans of wasp and hornet killer at many stores and inspect your home for nests. You may find nests in garages and sheds, in trees, underneath ledges, inside wood surfaces, etc. You can also call a professional to ensure your completely protected if the problem is severe.
Ants
Ants are extremely active in the summertime, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll be warding them offer all season long. Ants love to find their way inside your home looking for food and anything they can carry away to their nest.
However, it may be easier than you think you eliminate these pests. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home to spot any nests that are close to your foundation. Next, be sure to keep trash and food sealed at all times, so as not to attract any hungry ants into your home.
Flies
Flies are another unfortunate part of the summer months, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From the tiniest of fruit flies to the dreaded horsefly, you’ll want to be sure you keep doors and windows closed and a fly swatter handy.
Limiting flies can be trickier because it’s difficult to know where they’re coming from. However, the best thing you can do is keep your home clean. Fruit flies are attracted to decaying fruit while common houseflies feed on garbage and filth. Keep it clean to limit these guys.
Ticks
If you live near a wood area, you’ll no doubt have your run-ins with ticks this season. Ticks live in piles of dead leaves and other wood areas, waiting to hop onto their next victim. Many times this is in the form of a dog or pet or someone that’s hiking or working in the woods.
Ticks can cause serious illness, so it’s best to give yourself a thorough inspection anytime you’ve been in the woods are somewhere that ticks like to hide. Additionally, be sure to treat your dog with tick and flea control medicine to ensure unwanted visitors aren’t hitching a ride right into your home!
Termites
Last, but certainly not least is the termite. Also very active during the summer months, this is the time when termites are foraging for food and working to build up their colonies. This desire for progress leads them right to your home to snack on the studs in your walls.
With termites, you’ll want to limit anything close to the home that could serve as an access point such as piles of logs, brush or other detritus material. Additionally, it’s important to seek the help of a termite professional, as termite infestations can cost you thousands in structural repairs – prevention is certainly the better option here.
