Central Mass Mosquito Control | Mosquito Protection

Author Archive: T Warner

Mosquitoes: How big of a problem can they be?

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?

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?

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

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

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

‘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.?

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.

Why are spotted lanternflies bad?

Spotted lanternflies are not just bad, they are downright despicable.  And they are in Massachusetts. A breeding colony of spotted lanternflies was confirmed in Fitchburg, Mass, in late September.  The Department of Agricultural Resources is working to contain the infestation. …
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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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Massachusetts, New Hampshire on Alert for West Nile Virus

West Nile virus was discovered in mosquito samples in the Northeast about a month ago.  On Thursday, a Massachusetts resident was diagnosed with the virus, the sixth human case since the beginning of the month. The Department of Public Health confirmed that this diagnosis is the first human case in someone under the age of 50.  Approximately eight U.S. states have been put on high alert, in what is considered peak season for this mosquito-borne illness.  Other northeast states include New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Delaware.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, now is the time to ramp up or maintain preventative measures against mosquito bites.