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Mosquito Facts

Approximately 3000 mosquito species are found worldwide.   About 176 species are found in the United States.

Due to the diseases they carry such as chikungunya, Zika, West Nile, dengue, yellow fever and malaria to name just a few,  the mosquito is considered the most dangerous insect in the world.

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Mosquito Habitats

As we focus on mosquito control and prevention in the Knoxville, TN area it is important to focus on the different habitats that specific species originate from.

Permanent Water Mosquitoes

Permanent water mosquitoes in Knoxville, TN can be found in various permanent habitats such as ponds, sewage ponds, swamps and ditches that retain water on a permanent basis.   The genera of mosquito can also be divided by the quality of the water they inhabit from clean water to polluted water.

  • Anopheles - lays its eggs individually on the surface of the water and prefers relatively unpolluted water.   These mosquitoes are the only known carrier of malaria, but also transmit filariasis and encephalitis.

  • Culex- lays its eggs on the surface of the water in groups called rafts and prefer polluted and highly organic water.  Culex pipiens is the main carrier of West Nile Virus.

Floodwater Mosquitoes

Floodwater mosquitoes in Knoxville, TN can be found in areas that hold water temporarily such as ditches, gutters, flat roofs and low areas within the yard.

  • Psorophora-lay their eggs on dirt, dried mud, or debris where they can withstand months or years of desiccation.  This genus has species who are aggressive biters but have not been proven to transmit diseases.

  • Aedes- Several species of this genus are classified as floodwater mosquitoes including Aedes vexans.  This species is one of the most widespread species worldwide.   This species has been proven to be a competent vector of West Nile Virus and dog heartworm.

Container Mosquitoes

Container mosquitoes found in Knoxville, TN develop in water holding containers such as discarded tires, tree holes, flower pots, pet dishes plus many more.

  • Aedes-Several species of this genus fall under container mosquitoes including Aedes aegypti(yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus(Asian tiger mosquito).  Both of these species can transmit Zika, yellow fever, dog heartworm, dengue, and chikungunya. 

Mosquito Prevention

The most successful way to prevent mosquitoes is to control the sources they originate from.  Below are items to focus on while preventing mosquitoes at your home or business.

  • Start with items on your property that hold water.

    • Garbage Cans/Lids-Keep lids on garbage cans to prevent water accumulation in lids and bottom of garbage can.

    • Flower Pots-Remove bases and allow pots to drain and prevent water accumulation.

    • Tires-Properly discard from property to a land field.

    • Stumps/Tree Holes-Drain water and fill holes with sand.

    • Tarps/Covers-Inspect covers for grills, boats, etc. for water and drain.  Pull tarps tight to prevent ongoing issue.

    • Corrugated drain pipes-Inspect and drain water from corrugated pipes on downspouts for gutters.

    • Pet Water Bowls-Clean and replace with fresh water daily.

    • Other Containers(Cups, bowls, etc.) -Discard if possible or keep water drained.

    • Bird baths- Empty and clean at least once per week.

    • Landscape ponds- Use mosquito dunks for ornamental ponds(Can be found at Lowe's or Home Depot)  or introduce mosquito fish into your pond.

    • Children's Pools-Keep emptied when not in use.

  • Next focus on areas that can fill with water during a rain, but otherwise stays dry.

    • Drainage ditches-Remove debris and vegetation to insure proper drainage.

    • Low spots in lawn that can puddle after a rain- Fill area and reseed to prevent pooling water.

    • Gutters-Remove debris to allow proper drainage and prevent pooling water.

    • Flat Roofs-Remove debris and insure roof does not accumulate standing water following a rain.

  • Last is to focus on resting sites for adult mosquitoes by reducing dense vegetation on the property.

Mosquito Solutions Knoxville, TN

Call Epituer today for your FREE business or home mosquito control and exterminator evaluation.   The first step in resolving the issue is identifying the species of mosquito and the larval sites around your property and coming up with the correct solution.  Epituer offers professional mosquito control services for homes and businesses in Knoxville, TN and surrounding communities.  Our mosquito control service focuses treatment on adult resting sites and larval sites on your property.   Click here for more information on our outdoor mosquito control program.

 

Contact Our Office at 865-363-1155 or Email Us. 

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