5 Myths About Mosquitoes You Should Stop Believing

Mosquito Squad of The Sandhills is dedicated to helping homeowners in Rockingham enjoy their outdoor spaces without constant pest concerns. But when it comes to mosquitoes, misinformation is everywhere. Some myths can make mosquito control seem less important, while others can lead to ineffective do-it-yourself approaches that don’t address the real problem. If you’ve been searching for Rockingham mosquito control, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Mosquitoes Are Only a Problem in the Summer

While summer is the peak mosquito season in Rockingham, they can remain active well past the summer months, into autumn. Some species overwinter as adults in protected spots, while others survive as eggs that hatch once temperatures rise again. That means waiting until the first mosquito bite of the year to act can leave you with a larger population than you expect, and an uphill battle.

Myth 2: All Mosquitoes Bite Humans

Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite, and they do it to get the nutrients needed to produce eggs? Males, on the other hand, feed exclusively on plant nectar. Even among biting species, some are more likely to target animals rather than humans.

That said, the species that do prefer humans have been known to transmit illnesses like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika virus. This means that mosquitoes are not just an annoyance, but an actual health risk.

Myth 3: Citronella Candles Will Keep Mosquitoes Away

Citronella candles have been marketed for decades as a quick fix for mosquito problems, but how true is that? The scent can discourage mosquitoes from coming too close, but the protection zone is small, often just a couple of feet, and if the wind shifts, the effect can be lost entirely. While citronella candles can add ambiance to your outdoor gatherings, they work best as a complement to broader mosquito control measures, not as a primary defense.

Myth 4: Mosquitoes Only Breed in Swamps or Large Bodies of Water

Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, but the source doesn’t have to be big or obvious. In fact, many mosquitoes in residential areas come from water that collects in small, overlooked places like clogged gutters, birdbaths, potted plant saucers, or even a bottle cap left in the yard. A female mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few inches of water, so part of effective Rockingham mosquito control involves identifying and addressing these smaller breeding sites.

Myth 5: You Can’t Do Anything to Control Mosquitoes

While it’s true that no solution can completely remove mosquitoes from an area, there’s a lot you can do to reduce their numbers and make your yard far less appealing to them. A combination of smart maintenance habits, like tipping over items that collect water, and professional treatments can be the key.

Our treatments are designed to reduce mosquito populations by up to 85–90% for up to three weeks, offering long-lasting relief and more comfortable outdoor living.

When we visit a property, the team starts with a full assessment to identify problem areas, then we apply our traditional barrier treatment or our natural option, both of which target mosquitoes at multiple stages of their life cycle. The result is fewer bites, fewer pests, and more time to enjoy your backyard without constant swatting.

Real Solutions for Real Problems

Don’t let myths about mosquitoes keep you from taking control of your outdoor spaces. By understanding how these pests really operate and by partnering with a trusted provider like Mosquito Squad of The Sandhills, you can make informed choices that deliver real results.

If you’re ready for effective Rockingham mosquito control, call us today for a free quote. 

Together, we can help protect your home from mosquitoes and ticks, so you can enjoy your yard the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.