Mosquitoes are primarily attracted to carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. They also detect body heat, sweat, and certain body odors. Standing water strongly attracts female mosquitoes as breeding sites. Even small amounts of water in containers, bird baths, clogged gutters, or poorly drained areas can become mosquito nurseries. Dark clothing tends to attract more mosquitoes than light-colored apparel. Additionally, bright outdoor lights may draw mosquitoes to your property at night.

Professional mosquito control works through a comprehensive approach targeting both adult mosquitoes and their larvae. The process begins with a thorough inspection to identify breeding sites and resting areas. For larvae, treatments include applying larvicides to standing water that cannot be eliminated. For adults, technicians apply residual insecticides to vegetation and resting areas. This creates a barrier that kills mosquitoes on contact and continues working for weeks between treatments. The most effective programs also include recommendations for habitat modification and ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations.

Most effective mosquito control programs require regular treatments throughout the mosquito season, typically every 3-4 weeks. This schedule maintains the protective barrier around your property as treatments gradually break down due to weather conditions and new growth. In regions with longer mosquito seasons, you may need 6-8 treatments annually, while areas with shorter seasons might require only 3-4 treatments. The frequency may increase after heavy rainfall, which creates new breeding sites and can wash away some protection.

Mosquitoes are vectors for numerous serious diseases worldwide. In the United States, the most common mosquito-borne disease is West Nile virus, which can cause fever, body aches, and in severe cases, neurological complications. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis, and La Crosse Encephalitis. In recent years, Zika virus has been a concern, particularly for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. Globally, mosquitoes also spread malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Yes, professional mosquito spraying is effective when properly applied as part of a comprehensive control program. The treatments target adult mosquitoes resting on vegetation and create a barrier that continues killing mosquitoes for weeks after application. However, spraying alone is not a complete solution. The most effective approach combines targeted spraying with larval control, elimination of breeding sites, and habitat modification. Regular treatments throughout mosquito season are necessary as the protection gradually diminishes due to weather conditions and new plant growth.