Author Archive: Dave Macchia

Dave Macchia is the owner of Mosquito Squad of Central MA and the author of 2 blogs about mosquito control and tick control in the Central Mass area.

When do mosquitoes come out?

Dave Macchia March 18, 2022 Mosquitoes, When do mosquitoes come out? mosquitoes, when do mosquitoes come out

‘Tis the season – for Massachusetts mosquitoes to emerge. You know the adage about, “March winds and April showers.” The true answer to, “What do April showers bring,” is…MOSQUITOES. It’s prime time if you are mosquito. They look forward to April in Massachusetts just as much as we used to anticipate the last day of school as children. And not just adult mosquitoes, but their unhatched eggs and their larvae too. They have been sittin’ around doin’ nothing since cold weather kicked into high gear late last fall. They are ready to get on with their circle of life.

3 Ways Mosquitoes Survive Winter

Dave Macchia March 10, 2022 3 Ways Mosquitoes Survive Through Winter, Mosquitoes mosquitoes, Mosquitoes Survive Winter

We know that mosquitoes do not die in the winter, but do we know by what means they survive? In fact, we do! Tiny as they are, mosquitoes are hearty. Their entire life cycle is a testament to their ingenuity and willingness to survive and thrive. Akin to a cold-blooded animal, mosquitoes are unable to regulate their body temperatures. Their ideal climate is a humid 80°F. And while they love heat and humidity, it is possible to be too hot for a mosquito to remain active. In extremely hot and dry climates, they will seek shelter so they do not dehydrate. Conversely, when temperatures hit below 60°F, mosquitoes will become lethargic and less active. What exactly do they they do in cold weather?

Mosquitoes: How big of a problem can they be?

Dave Macchia February 23, 2022 Mosquito Barrier Protection, Mosquitoes, West Nile virus mosquito protection, mosquitoes, one million mosquitoes, Shrewsbury mosquito control

If you ever thought mosquitoes to simply be a nuisance, or a necessary evil for our ecosystem, perhaps you have not imagined how large a problem they actually are. In the past, I have written about the largest mosquito and burgeoning mosquito populations. If you have ever been to an outdoor party and suffered a mosquito bite or two, you likely haven’t thought about how large their numbers actually are. Shorter winters and rising temperatures in Central Mass (and everywhere) have seen those numbers grow over the last decade or more. How large could the mosquito population be?

Does the Yellow fever mosquito prefer red?

Dave Macchia February 7, 2022 Does the Yellow fever mosquito prefer red?, Mosquitoes, What are mosquitoes attracted to? Aedes aegypti, mosquitoes, yellow fever mosquito

Mosquitoes target us using smell, sight, and taste. We know that they prefer dark colors. But do they prefer singular colors, like red? One peer-reviewed study suggests that the Aedes aegypti mosquito fancies red and orange. And ORANGE you glad such studies exist? You should be, because the more we know about mosquito behavior, the better we can determine our own behaviors that might decrease our chances of becoming a mosquito bite target.

What is causing the increase in mosquito populations?

Dave Macchia January 12, 2022 Mosquitoes, What is causing the increase in mosquito populations? climate change, mosquito populations, mosquitoes, urbanization

Does it feel like there are more mosquitoes in Massachusetts than ever? If you thought that 2021 the mosquito apocalypse, you are not wrong. You might have found yourself swatting and dodging mosquitoes every time you ventured outdoors last year. And the thing is, you might have even noticed that there were more mosquitoes all the way into fall. Mosquito populations are expanding and the timeline formerly thought of as mosquito season is also growing longer.

Facts About Mosquitoes and Blood

Dave Macchia December 28, 2021 Do mosquito babies have our DNA?, Mosquitoes, Why do mosquitoes need blood? mosquito facts, mosquito fun facts, mosquito questions and answers, mosquitoes

If you become nauseated at the thought of blood, you wouldn’t make a great mosquito. Well, female mosquito anyway. Mammalian blood is not just life-sustaining for female mosquitoes. It is used to create new life. Male mosquitoes spend their lives feeding on nectar and plant sap, while females are mostly out for blood. Female mosquitoes seek out their blood meal in order to fertilize their eggs. Human blood contains essential nutrients that help mosquito eggs grow. Among those nutrients are amino acids and proteins. Females lay their clutches in standing water, and those eggs will become adults in about 8 to 10 days. That is potentially 100 to 200 new mosquitoes buzzing around your property, seeking blood, and procreating!

Mosquito Protection for Safe Post-Holiday Travels

Dave Macchia December 27, 2021 Mosquito Protection, mosquito repellent, Mosquito-Borne Illness Protection When Traveling healthy habits, mosquito protection for travel, mosquito-borne illnesse protection

Keeping ourselves safe and healthy during travel, either in the U.S. or abroad, is more important than ever. If you gave the gift of a post-holiday getaway, or received one, there are steps you can take to ensure wellness. In the age of COVID, more and more travelers are not only planning for wellness during their travels, but leading up to them too. One of the things that the worldwide pandemic has shown us, is that we could all use a healthier lifestyle. One great way to plan for healthy travels is to be healthy to begin with. Adopting a healthier lifestyle means maintaining a good diet, but a balanced diet isn’t the be all and end all to health and wellness.

Experiences That Make Great Gifts

Dave Macchia December 3, 2021 Mosquito Control all-natural mosquito control, experience gifts, mosquito control, mosquito protection, special event spray

‘Tis the season for stressing over finding the perfect gift for every special someone on your list. Maybe they already have everything they want. Maybe they are growing out of toys but won’t appreciate practical gifts, like clothing. Over the last few years, families are realizing that Christmas often creates a lot of extra work. Clearing out toys to make room for new ones. Putting toys together. Forgetting to purchase batteries. Not being able to get your hands on the hottest gift. No matter the struggle you’re facing, here are awesome experiences that are sure to please!

Where are stink bugs most common in the U.S.?

Dave Macchia October 22, 2021 Does mosquito control get rid of stink bugs? mosqutio control, stink bugs, stink bugs in Massachusetts

The mid-Atlantic region of the United States boasts the highest concentration of stink bugs. But they are alive and well in Massachusetts too. The marmorated or East Asian stink bug is back! Well, they technically never left. These ugly, six-legged pests can be found on sunny porches, exterior walls, and even inside your home. You generally will not see stink bugs in the summertime. Why do they come out in the fall? Stink bugs are looking for a place to overwinter. That’s why they are coming inside your home, and it is also why they might be congregating inside your walls, attics, or crawl spaces.

Where is heartworm most common in the United States?

Dave Macchia September 23, 2021 Heartworm, Mosquito-Borne Illnesses, Where is heartworm most common? heartworm, mosquito-borne illnesses, where is heartworm most common, where is heartworm most common in the United States

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 U.S. states. While heartworm can happen anywhere in the U.S. there are distinct areas of concentration. Namely, the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and Mississippi Delta. Heartworm disease is common on the Atlantic,…
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