Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest pest.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites caused 263 million malaria cases worldwide in 2023. Nearly 600,000 of these infections were fatal, excluding other common mosquito-borne diseases like yellow fever, West Nile virus, and dengue.
Ticks are not safe either. While these parasites typically menace our farmyard animals, they can also transmit deadly illnesses. Those include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and babesiosis.
Despite their infamous reputation, mosquitoes and ticks are easily manageable. An effective control strategy entails implementing the proper preventive and extermination measures.
This post looks at common tick and mosquito control mistakes you probably didn’t know you were making.
1. Misidentifying the Pests
Mosquitoes and ticks are among the most common pests worldwide. However, it’s surprising how many homeowners often confuse these insects with other similar-looking pests.
To the untrained eye, mosquitoes strikingly resemble midgets, gnats, crane flies, and fungus gnats. Ticks are commonly confused with carpet beetles, weevils, and bed bugs.
The trick to efficient tick and mosquito control is understanding the animal you’re dealing with. Otherwise, you may be targeting the wrong pests (including some beneficial ones like beetles).
2. Downplaying the Dangers
We’ve already hinted at the medical risks mosquitoes and ticks pose. If not eliminated from your yard early enough, these parasites can transmit deadly diseases.
Besides, the illnesses spread by both mosquitoes and ticks could cause financial losses through medical bills and lost potential income.
Recognizing the dangers posed by ticks and mosquitoes can underscore the imperative of seeking timely extermination.
3. Ignoring Early Evidence of Infestation
Ticks and mosquitoes don’t simply magic themselves into existence. It takes a few parasites to invade your home. But if their presence goes undetected, the insects will overrun your property in a matter of weeks.
Regular inspections can help uncover early warning signs of tick or mosquito infestation, enabling you to implement timely pest control measures.
Buzzing sounds overhead, frequent bites, and larvae in standing water are tell-tale signs of mosquito presence. As for ticks, look out for small hard lumps (accompanied by rashes) on your skin and your farmyard animals.
4. Ignoring Stagnant Water
Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes. Besides obviously quenching their thirst, still water provides mosquitoes with an excellent breeding ground.
Ticks typically don’t lay eggs in stagnant water. But like mosquitoes, they’re drawn to moist conditions.
You can reduce your home’s tick and mosquito population by draining all stagnant water. Whether it’s scrubbing containers, bird feeders, or clogged gutters, emptying water from these vessels may effectively deter ticks and mosquitoes.
5. Leaving Entryways Open
Opening your doors and windows helps regulate the indoor temperature by inviting warmth, sunlight, and fresh air into your home.
However, open doors and windows allow mosquitoes and ticks to venture into your indoor space. The same is true for cracks in the walls, roof, or foundation.
Get these entryways sealed off accordingly. You may also consider hanging full-length curtains. This helps to screen off pests while still letting you maintain a desirable indoor climate.
6. Skimping On Regular Cleaning
While dirty dishes will mostly draw cockroaches and rodents to your house, they may create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, too.
It’s best to clean all kitchen utensils after every meal. Especially don’t let dirty dishes sit overnight.
Besides, wipe liquid spills off the floor immediately.
7. Practicing Improper Waste Disposal
Maintaining optimal hygiene conditions outdoors is equally important.
During the day, ticks and mosquitoes can seek shelter in unlidded garbage bins. Unclosed trash cans may accumulate standing water and create the ideal insect breeding spot.
Therefore, invest in properly lidded trash cans and keep the containers sealed at all times.
8. Ignoring Cracks in Garbage Bins
Besides following proper waste disposal, inspect your garbage bins occasionally for cracks.
Seal all gaps, no matter how tiny they may appear.
If a crack is visible to your naked eye, it’s large enough for ticks and mosquitoes to slip through.
9. Relying Exclusively On Natural Methods
There are several natural remedies you could apply to control mosquitoes and ticks in your yard.
Plants like lavender, catnip, garlic, and basil are renowned tick and mosquito repellents. They also boast immense therapeutic properties, making them excellent for your wellness garden.
But while these natural interventions may keep ticks and mosquitoes off your property, they’re ineffective if your yard is already infested. Contact a licensed pest exterminator for the best control measures, based on the insect involved and the extent of infestation.
10. Not Mowing the Lawn
Mosquitoes and ticks are attracted to dense foliage, as it offers perfect shelter from heat and wind. Ticks particularly rely on overgrown plants for questing.
To manage their population, it’s best to trim your lawn frequently.
Implementing a robust lawn maintenance plan may also boost your property’s curb appeal.
Final Word
Avoiding these rookie mistakes can make a significant difference in keeping ticks and mosquitoes at bay. It’s a proactive way to minimize these common parasites’ health hazards and financial losses.
Remember that both mosquitoes and ticks are notorious for flying under the radar. You may not recognize early warning signs of an infestation until it’s too late. To effectively control these pests, prioritize scheduling routine inspections by a licensed pest control company.
