Mosquito Control

Identification & Behavior

Mosquitoes are small, midge-like flies that thrive in the humid, wet conditions of an Ohio summer. They are most active from late spring to early fall, particularly at dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler.

They require stagnant water to breed. Even a tiny amount of water—like what pools in a discarded tire, a clogged gutter, a birdbath, or a child's toy left in the yard—is enough for a female mosquito to lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch into larvae known as "wigglers."

Disease Vector Risks

While male mosquitoes feed exclusively on flower nectar, female mosquitoes require blood meals to produce eggs. It is during this bite that they can transmit serious diseases into the bloodstream of their host.

• West Nile Virus: The most significant mosquito-borne threat in Ohio. While some experience no symptoms, it can cause severe neurological illnesses in vulnerable populations.
• La Crosse Encephalitis: Another viral infection present in the region, which is particularly dangerous to children.
• Dog Heartworms: Mosquitoes are the primary transmitter of deadly heartworms to dogs and cats, making mosquito control an essential part of pet care.