When it rains heavy, floods and mudslide aren’t the only things that can come. Mosquitos follow in percussion. While much water is appreciated in areas suffering from drought, you must be prepared that the little blood suckers will come with it. Mosquitos don’t just cause itchy, swollen bites. They can carry diseases like West Nile Virus or the Zika virus. But why do swarms of mosquitos appear when there’s heavy rain? Let’s find out.

Mosquito breeding ground is not dry ground

Mosquitos look for soft and wet places because they need water to breed. It’s not just a few species of mosquitos. It’s all types. A female mosquito can lay 300 eggs at a time. But these eggs don’t take very long to hatch. A new wave of mosquitos will form every 10 to 14 days in very wet conditions. And mosquitos don’t need much water to breed. It only takes a capful of still water for a female to lay her eggs. Yes, a capful!

Stop the swarm that follows the storm

You don’t have to suffer and let the mosquitos take over. There are some things you can do to protect you and your family.

Spray as soon as possible

When the rains stop, whether for good or just a little bit, spray your yard with pesticides as soon as possible. If you take quick action in spraying, you’ll be able to stop mosquitos from multiplying faster than rabbits. Even if the rains stop, mosquito eggs can remain in dry conditions for several months. If you’re not sure how to do this or are unable to, we can help.

Repel to stay well

Use mosquito repellent to ward off these little vampires. The EPA has some information on types of mosquito repellent that might be right for you and your family. Choices include sprays, candles, wipes, and much more. The EPA also advises you to use your clothing as a simple defense by covering your skin as much as you can.

Dump the still water

Spraying mosquitos and using repellent can seem like a constant battle, though. The best way to stop mosquitos is before they even start. Preventing mosquitos from breeding goes a long way. You will want to get rid of any standing water around your yard. Look for pet bowls, pools, tanks, outdoor toys, trash containers, or anything that can easily collect rainwater. Also, be sure to check gutters for any blockages, fill in the low areas of your yard, and check trees for any holes that might collect water.

For reliable mosquito control in Houston, choose Preventive Pest Control. Call 281-973-5620 today!