It’s a perfect campfire on a warm Arizona night. The flames are crackling, the stars are twinkling, and grandpa’s telling stories about that time he almost won the lottery. Then you notice that your best friend keeps scratching his arms. Well, that’s nothing unusual; Bill’s always been strange. But then you realize that everyone is scratching… a lot. Are those mosquitoes? In Arizona? Oh yes, mosquitoes fly, crawl, and bite their way into a number of states, and Arizona is no exception.
What Brings Them Here?
Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, and while Arizona is not exactly nationally known for its wet weather, Phoenix residents know where that water is coming from – monsoons. The torrential rains of monsoons attracts mosquitoes like a magnet. Specifically, mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water. After a monsoon, drainage systems, rivers, and streams often can’t move that much water at once, resulting in pools of water that remain stagnant for days, weeks, or even months. These stagnant waters are like paradise for mosquitoes. In fact, because of the relatively dry conditions in most of the state, any sources of stagnant water will be that much more attractive to the mosquito population simply because there aren’t many of them.
Why Mosquitoes Are a Problem?
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying pests; they can be the carriers of diseases that can be harmful or even deadly to humans. In recent years, Arizona has experienced reported cases of the West Nile Virus, which is directly linked with mosquito activity. Simply protecting yourself with sprays and candles is not enough since pets and livestock can be infected by mosquitoes as well. While reported cases of the virus are relatively small, reducing the mosquito population keeps your pets and family safe and your outdoor areas free of insect pests.
Learn more how to solve your mosquitos’ problems by visiting Invader today.
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