From marshy wetlands to desert landscapes, mosquitoes are the kind of pest that seems to pop up everywhere. Utah residents are no strangers to mosquito infestations. Especially in areas like Salt Lake County, lakes and marshes create perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
Mosquito control starts with education. It’s good to know your enemy, as the old saying goes. Keep reading below to learn more about the Anopheles mosquito, which is one of three common mosquito types.
The Anopheles mosquito is a variety of mosquito that is found all over the world. In the United States, they are most common in the East and in the West, which makes them a threat to Utah residents.
These mosquitoes bite both humans and other mammals. They’re commonly found near swamps, marshes, and other vegetated water bodies, which is where they like to lay their eggs.
Anopheles mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn, which makes them a little easier to avoid. Unfortunately, you’ll find these pests both indoors and outdoors.
Because mosquitoes are so small, it’s hard to identify different types of mosquitoes at first glance. One thing you can look for to identify an Anopheles mosquito is an abdomen and stomach area that points upwards. On most other mosquito species, the stomach is perpendicular to the ground or points down.
Different mosquitoes carry different diseases, and Anopheles mosquitoes are the only mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
In order to transmit this disease to an individual, the mosquito must first feed on someone who is infected with malaria. Malaria parasites will then mix with the mosquito’s saliva, and the next time it feeds, it will inject its infected saliva into a new person.
Luckily for Utah residents, malaria is not a threat in our state. This disease is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas like Africa, South Asia, and Central America. If you’re planning a trip to one of these locations, consult with your doctor about protective measures that you can take.
Anopheles mosquitoes in the U.S. aren’t likely to transmit malaria, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying. To take mosquito control into your own hands, you can use natural repellents like citronella, tea tree oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil. Apply essential oils to your skin or on cotton balls placed around your home.
Outdoors, you can use electric zappers or citronella-scented candles to repel mosquitoes. These only work for bugs in your immediate vicinity, but they can offer some relief during outdoor gatherings.
The Anopheles mosquito is just one of the several varieties of mosquito that are a nuisance to homeowners around the world. On top of that, it can cause serious health issues.
Don’t wait another day to get the mosquito control you need. At H2 Pest Control, we’re happy to offer expert pest treatment to our neighbors in Utah County and Salt Lake County. Give us a call and find out how we can help you reclaim your home and say goodbye to pests once and for all.
