Mosquitos are one of the most dangerous bugs in our area. They are flying, invasive pests that can spread diseases. And even if you don’t get sick when you get bit, the bites they leave are uncomfortably itchy and bothersome. Mosquitoes in Maine can be very hard to manage, which is why professional pest control Portland services are your best option to get rid of them and protect your family.
Mosquito Season in Maine
Mosquito season in Maine can start around late March or early April and last until November, with peak annoyance usually happening in June or July. That’s a long time to be dealing with mosquitoes. These insects require temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, making it easy for them to thrive anywhere in Southern Maine. Some mosquitoes gravitate toward towns and people, while others prefer marshes or tall grasses. All of them like to live near water because their larvae and pupae develop in water, preferably with little to no flow. This means a wet summer often leads to more mosquitoes, while a dry summer results in fewer and shorter-lived populations. If mosquitoes become a problem, an experienced exterminator Portland can provide effective solutions to keep your outdoor spaces comfortable and safe.
Mosquitoes in Maine
In Southern Maine, mosquitoes are incredibly bothersome as we usually have nice temperatures and high humidity levels in summer. There are at least 45 species of mosquitoes in Maine. Luckily, only half of them actually bite. But those species can spread illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or the West Nile Virus. Because they feed on more than just humans, when they bite an animal, they can carry disease organisms that spread to their next victims. Female mosquitoes feed on blood to get that extra protein, so they can reproduce and lay their eggs. They lay their eggs on the surface of standing water and those eggs hatch around late March or early April, hence mosquito season in Maine. They gradually increase their numbers as the summer goes on, depending on the type of summer we are having.
What do Mosquitoes Look Like
You may ask yourself, what do mosquitoes look like? How am I supposed to know what to look for? Well mosquitoes are incredibly small insects, ranging from ¼ to ½ of an inch long. You probably won’t even feel them when they land on you as they weigh less than 3 mg. Mosquitoes have three sections to them; the head, which has the antenna and a long needle like mouth, the thorax, which is where the wings connect, and the abdomen. Most Types of Mosquitoes are brown with little white stripes down their body and iridescent scales that are a lot like hair. Mosquitoes in Maine also have what is called a compound eye which has multiple microscopic lenses, in a curved pattern. Each lens sees its own individual image and the mosquito sees everything at once making its peripheral vision almost perfect. That is why it’s so hard to catch them.
Maine Mosquito Control
So the big question is how do I protect myself from these nasty pests? Well, there are always home remedies. Many people set out water mixtures using apple cider vinegar, mint, or coffee grounds. Others plant specific herbs like marigolds, nasturtiums, rosemary, or basil to keep them away. While these ideas can help deter mosquitoes and even kill a few, they won’t eliminate large swarms or an infestation. When that happens, it’s best to call in professional Portland pest control services to safely and effectively handle the problem.
Valuable ways to repel mosquitoes include:
- Burning scented candles like cinnamon, mint, lemongrass, or lavender.
- Setting mosquito traps.
- Reduce standing water like dry out pet water bowls, or drain the swimming pool.
- Cleaning your gutters out regularly.
Here at Green Shield Pest Solutions, we understand how annoying these pests can be when all you want to do is enjoy your backyard and spend time with your family. That is why we come equipped with family and pet friendly products to get the mosquitoes under control. Our services include monthly visits, from April to September, in which we spray around the area of your home and target any areas that may house unwanted insects, specifically mosquitoes.
We will get into those hard to reach areas and treat your home like it is one of our own. We are ready and eager to safeguard your home against unwanted pests. Call us for a consultation today. We look forward to meeting you.