Mosquitoes are here to stay

Photo: ©istock.com/swkunst

Mosquitoes have been on the planet 400 million years. Is there any hope of wiping this pest off the face of the earth?

Not a chance. In the United States, warmer temperatures and increased rainfall across the country mean the 176 species here will continue to proliferate. Mosquito season seems to last longer than ever, thanks to these changes in climate.

Pest management professionals (PMPs) who offer mosquito management services are enjoying additional revenue. If you’re not yet one of them, check out our Mosquito Management Supplement, which includes tips from PMPs who have been battling these pests for years.

The advice most frequently offered? Communicate to customers that complete elimination of all mosquitoes is impossible. They are flying insects, after all. Some breeds only get as far as 300 ft., whereas others can travel 7 miles. Chances are, an errant mosquito may find itself in a recently treated backyard.

Successful PMPs work with customers to ensure they understand the meaning of effective mosquito control — because after 400 million years, complete eradication is out of the question.