Will Texas pests survive the heatwave?
Posted by Mosquito SquadDecember 20, 2023
Now is not the time to halt your pest control in Georgetown TX or the Greater Austin area. Pests will prevail even in the extreme heat.
With local temperatures holding strong in the triple digits, you are probably feeling inclined to remain indoors as much as you possibly can. And while that will separate you from pests that could be living outside your home, we must implore you to continue your usual Georgetown pest control regimen. If you haven’t yet sought out Mosquito Squad’s mosquito control and tick control services, now is the time to do it. That’s because crawling, flying, biting pests around your home are adept at surviving Mother Nature’s wrath – hot, cold, or in between!
Mosquitoes will survive the Texas heat wave.
Mosquitoes are notorious for their ability to transmit diseases such as Zika virus, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Their adaptability to extreme heat allows them to persist in Austin's hot climate:
- Water sources: Despite the heat, mosquitoes require stagnant water for breeding. They seek out shaded areas, such as tree holes, gutters, and even man-made containers, that offer cooler environments and retain water for longer durations. These breeding grounds act as their refuge from the scorching heat.
- Heat tolerance: Mosquitoes possess a high heat tolerance that enables them to continue their activities during the hottest parts of the day. They have evolved to regulate their body temperature and minimize water loss, thus conserving energy and maintaining their physiological functions even under intense heat stress.
- Diurnal behavior: Mosquitoes are known to be most active during dawn and dusk when temperatures are relatively cooler. This behavior allows them to avoid the peak daytime heat, reducing their risk of desiccation and heat-related stress.
Austin ticks are hunkering down to live through the extreme TX heat.
Ticks, notorious for transmitting Lyme disease, thrive in warm and humid environments. While they prefer moderate temperatures, they still manage to endure Austin's intense heat:
- Microhabitats: Like mosquitoes, ticks seek microhabitats that provide moisture and shade. They often dwell in areas with high vegetation cover, such as tall grasses, shrubs, and leaf litter, where they can escape direct sunlight and retain the necessary humidity for their survival.
- Questing behavior: Ticks employ a unique behavior called "questing" to maximize their chances of finding a suitable host. They climb up vegetation and extend their front legs, patiently waiting for a passing host. The tick’s position on the vegetation helps to shield them from the full intensity of the sun, keeping them cooler and more protected.
- Desiccation resistance: Ticks are highly adapted to conserve water and reduce moisture loss. Their exoskeletons serve as an efficient barrier against dehydration, enabling them to resist the desiccating effects of the hot and dry Austin climate. Moreover, ticks have a remarkable ability to recycle water from their urine and feces, further aiding their water conservation efforts.
Despite the extreme heat that engulfs Austin, Texas, mosquitoes, and ticks have developed various adaptations to survive and thrive in such challenging conditions. Their ability to seek out suitable microhabitats, regulate body temperature, and conserve water resources allows them to persist in the face of scorching temperatures.
Pest Control in Austin and Surrounding Areas
Understanding the survival strategies of mosquitoes and ticks is a crucial step towards devising effective control and prevention strategies, allowing residents of Georgetown TX and Greater Austin to enjoy their outdoor activities while minimizing the impact of these resilient insects.
It is crucial for Georgetown and Greater Austin residents to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to minimize mosquito and tick exposure. Employing preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and removing standing water can help reduce the risk of bites and potential disease transmission. Furthermore, it is advisable to employ the trustworthy mosquito and tick control services of Mosquito Squad of Greater Austin.
Trust Mosquito Squad of Greater Austin for guaranteed pest control Georgetown TX. Contact us today at (512) 456-9954.