No-see-ums
No-see-ums, also known as biting midges, sand flies, or punkies, are tiny flying insects that measure between 1 to 3 millimeters in length. They are so small, in fact, that they can even pass through the mesh of the pool cages that are so common in Florida back yards.
Similarly to mosquitoes, no-see-ums require a blood meal to breed. These bites cause painful swelling and irritation.
No-see-ums are even less picky than mosquitoes about where they lay their eggs; they require moisture, but don’t need standing water. No-see-ums can lay eggs in marshes, wetlands, damp soil and decomposing organic matter.
Despite their size; no-see-ums are still a public health concern. Midges are responsible for Oropouche virus, the spreading of parasites and the bluetongue disease in horses, cows and other animals.
The no-see-um breeding cycle accelerates and activity tends to peak in the warmer months, especially in humid coastal regions like south-west Florida.
The MistAway systems that Mosquito Masters specializes in can simultaneously effect mosquito and no-see-ums activity in control areas with its automated misting functions. Fortunately; there are naturally derived chemical solutions on the market that can be used that both species of insect are susceptible to.
In addition, Mosquito Masters will happily work with property owners to recommend additional services and means of no-see-um population control.
If you are dealing with the tiny nuisance that is the no-see-um; look no further.
Give Mosquito Masters a call and we will help you reclaim your outdoor spaces!
Flies
There are several varieties of fly that are typical within Southwest Florida. House flies, horse/deer flies, blow flies, stable flies and sand flies all call Florida their home and all pose unique problems if encountered en masse.
Most flies are notorious for their love of decaying organic matter. They rely on rubbish as both a food source and a place to shelter their young. The subspecies of fly will determine what type of nasty they prefer, however. Stable flies for example, are given their name because of their preference for living in manure. The drain fly needs readily available moisture accessible and thus loves places like house plumbing and gutter fixtures, where wet and rotten food or leaf material are plenty. The first and utmost strategy in controlling fly populations is removing trash, organic waste and reducing the prevalence of breeding sites.
Some flies, like the horse fly, the deer fly and the stable fly require blood meals to breed successfully and deliver painful bites in the process.
Regardless of whether they are a biting variety; flies are a rampant vector for disease, due to their preferred habitats. Flies in all their forms are known to carry and spread Salmonella, E. Coli, Typhoid, Leishmaniasis, Tularemia and more.
The “lovebugs” that are known to swarm in vast numbers and plaster the windshields of cars in Florida summer months are actually a variety of fly. There is speculation as to their origins and some think they were introduced to the FL ecosystem to combat mosquitoes…they are useless in every way save for being obnoxious.
Flies, due to their preferred habitats, are attracted to rancid smells and the emission of CO2. They are naturally repulsed by certain smells that human beings associate with cleanliness, such as peppermint, lemon/lemongrass, and lavender.
Mosquito Masters can implement special repellents to deter flies from outdoor spaces such as patios, pool decks, courtyards and balconies. These are typically botanically derived and pet/human safe when used properly and with discretion.
Flies are naturally averse to these repellents but also do not like the disruption of frequent misting events and therefore will leave you and your loved ones alone when you are attempting to enjoy outdoor dining and other activities where flies may prove bothersome.
Gnats
Gnats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are several sub-species of gnats that call the state of Florida home. This includes, but is not limited to the fungus gnat, the eye gnat, the black gnat, the buffalo gnat and the fruit fly.
Gnats, depending on their type, can range in size. Some such as the fruit fly is nearly the size of a no-see-um, whereas buffalo gnats are significantly larger. Regardless, due to their smaller sizes, gnats are hard to spot and therefore infestations can get out of control quickly.
Some gnats, like buffalo gnats, bite humans and animals to feed on blood. Others, like fungus gnats, do not bite but can still be a nuisance because of their elusiveness and attraction to the CO2 that humans emit.
Gnats are prevalent in Southwest Florida because they generally make damp environments their homes. Fungus gnats and fruit flies thrive in decomposing organic matter, while buffalo gnats prefer fresh water sources for breeding.
The average lifespan of a gnat is usually only a few days and they can grow in numbers extremely quickly because of this. Consistent control measures (like regular mistings and/or foggings…) are needed to keep their numbers down.
The bites from black gnats and buffalo gnats can cause itching, swelling, and allergic reactions in some people. Scratching the bites can lead to secondary infections.
Because many species of gnat love living in regularly watered soil, and in decaying matter such as composting materials; gnats are unfortunately very common in gardens and patio environments.
Fortunately, gnats are weak flyers and the MistAway Misting System takes this into account. In addition to the growth regulator or repellant chemicals that we implement, the mere presence of pressurized mist discourages gnat activity.
Spiders
The last insect of interest on our Mosquito Masters Most Wanted list of offenders is not an insect at all, as a matter of fact. The Arachnida Araneae; commonly referred to as the Spider family are our neighbors and roommates all across Florida, whether we like it or not. Although Mosquito Masters FL may not be a conventional pest control/exterminator group, the technologies we employ will help to discourage these creepy crawlers and reduce the frequency in which they come around.
Southwest Florida is home to a variety of spider species, ranging from common house spiders to more unique and sometimes venomous ones. Wolf spiders, jumping spiders, crab spiders, orb weavers and black and brown widows all thrive within Florida ecosystems.
Although spiders have a wide array of habitats, they typically make their homes where their webs can be sheltered, and other pests are common for ample sources of food. This means that human beings and spiders have been living side by side for eons.
Although spider silk is notoriously tough; arachnids generally do not like to build webs in areas that are exposed to the elements. The corners of ceilings, the awnings and overhangs of patios, and the far reaches of pool cages are all perfect places for spiders to set up shop.
Spiders have specialized sensory structures on their feet that allow them to detect certain chemical cues within their environment. This allows them to detect prey as well as threats. This is often times why you see spiders tapping with their frontward sets of legs.
These chemoreceptors mean that spiders are very sensitive to certain stimuli, such as vibrations AS WELL AS scents. One of the best ways to repel spiders without killing them (and unnecessarily disrupting natural eco-systems) is to use this to one’s advantage.
Mosquito Masters can employ botanical repellents to mist outdoor entertainment and dining areas around one’s property. This is multifaceted in its efficacy; as it discourages spiders from building webs in areas that see frequent misting but also will discourage them from traveling over areas where botanical repellent residue has been dispersed.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to ward away webs and keep your pool cage from looking like a haunted house; give Mosquito Masters a call. Our proprietary technologies and expertise mean that mosquitos, midges, gnats, flies and spiders ARE all being put on notice. Enjoy the Florida sunshine without the stress and discomfort of insect interlopers
