How to Get Rid of Asian Tiger Mosquitoes in My Lorton, VA Home & Yard

Though there is only about 30 species are commonly encountered, there are about 50 species of mosquitoes found in Virginia.   Typically, lowland swamps, coastal salt marshes, and other similar watery environments are associated with mosquitoes by many of Virginia’s residents.  The mosquito that is number one when it comes to biting people living in Virginia is the Asian tiger mosquito.  Today, we at CSI Home and Commercial Services would like to discuss the mosquitoes in Virginia. 

Where Do Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Since its development habitats are made up of artificial or natural containers that hold water and the female lays her eggs in “containers” of water or tree holes, the Asian tiger mosquito is known as a container developer.  The best way to control the Asian tiger is by eliminating its breeding places that may be found near the home because this mosquito is a poor flier.  In addition to neglected wading pools and boats, suitable development sites for this mosquito are tree holes, tires, flowerpots, cans, buckets, bird baths, rain gutters, and downspouts that accumulate and hold water in general. 

Where Do Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Bite?

Open, sunlit sights are usually avoided, and Asian tiger mosquitoes are active during daylight hours.  Waiting for a potential host to come along, they also spend much of their time as adults resting in dense foliage.  They are quite wary and will likely bite the ankle and lower portion of the leg while they are certainly persistent in their desire to bite a host.  There is a good chance they are Asian tiger mosquitoes if you are outside during the day, there is little or no wind, in the shade of your patio or porch, and you notice mosquitoes cautiously flying around. 

Is the Asian Tiger Mosquito Dangerous?

Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis are the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Virginia.   All cases through 2016 are associated with travel to countries that are Zika-affected while there have been cases of Zika virus reported in Virginia.  The Asian Tiger mosquito is a potential vector of encephalitis, dengue (all four serotypes), yellow fever and dog heartworm.

How Do You Repel & Prevent Asian Tiger Mosquitoes?

There are many solutions and programs to help you avoid mosquitoes from congregating near your home.  The professionals of CSI Home and Commercial Services can help you protect your home or business, but there are steps you can take to contribute to the cause.

                1)  Repair any gaps.   Patch any gaps in screens and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.  If you go through a careful process to rid your home of mosquitoes just to invite them in again, it will not do any good. It is likely not properly sealed if you can see sunlight in the space around your door.    Make sure to add weather stripping if this is the case.

                2)  Remove standing water.  In standing water, adult mosquitoes lay their eggs where they larvae hatch.  Any water that’s pooled in buckets, gutters, ditches, and pet bowls, empty all stagnant bodies of water you can.  Check to see if your potted plants have enough drainage and make sure to refresh the water in any bird baths.  

                3)  Pools and ponds treatment. Apply a larvicide dunk or liquid larvicide and run the filter regularly in standing water that you can’t eliminate.  Make certain to cover the pool at night and during the months when you aren’t using it.  Targeting and killing mosquito larvae, BTI is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil that produces toxins.   It’s non-toxic to humans, you can spray it over ponds, flowerpots, and bird baths

Mosquito Control Treatments               

Call CSI Home and Commercial Services and let us help you combat mosquitoes.