Mosquito Control: Source Elimination First

Name: 101 Exterminators Inc.
Address: Salinas, CA, 93901, US
Telephone: (831) 500-1613
Price range: $$
Rating: 5.0

Scientific name: Culex, Aedes species

Mosquitoes in Central California are not just an outdoor nuisance — they are established vectors for West Nile Virus, which has been confirmed in all four service counties. Effective mosquito management requires identifying and eliminating or treating breeding sources (standing water), not just treating adult mosquitoes. 101 Exterminators helps property owners reduce mosquito pressure through source identification, targeted larval treatment, and adult population management.

General Pest Control (831) 500-1613

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Visual Guide

How to Identify Mosquitoes

Size

3–9mm.

Color

Culex mosquitoes (primary WNV vector): brown-gray. Aedes (aggressive biters): black and white striping.

Body Shape

Slender body with long legs and a long proboscis.

Distinctive Features

Aedes mosquitoes bite aggressively during the day; Culex mosquitoes bite primarily at dusk and dawn. Buzzing sound near the ear is characteristic. Egg rafts float on standing water.

Biology

Behavior & Lifecycle

Mosquitoes breed in standing water — as little as a tablespoon. Female mosquitoes seek a blood meal before laying eggs. Culex mosquitoes (West Nile virus vectors) lay eggs in rafts on stagnant water. Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs on moist surfaces just above the waterline — drought-resistant eggs that hatch when water returns.

Commonly Found In:

Properties with standing waterNear ponds and irrigationSummer monthsAreas with birds

Local Knowledge

Mosquitoes in Central California

West Nile Virus is present in Central California and is confirmed annually by the county vector control districts. Culex mosquito pressure peaks in summer (July–September). Standing water in neglected fountains, bird baths, low-lying areas, corrugated plastic drain pipes, and agricultural irrigation infrastructure is the primary breeding source across the region.

Why This Matters Here

West Nile Virus causes illness in approximately 20% of infected people (most remain asymptomatic). Severe neurological disease occurs in less than 1% of those infected but can be life-threatening or cause permanent disability, particularly in older adults.

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Prevention

How to Reduce Your Risk

The most cost-effective pest control is prevention. These steps reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes problems — particularly important for properties in our service area where the conditions favor this species.

01
Eliminate all standing water: dump, drain, or cover — bird baths, plant saucers, tarps, gutters, old tires
02
Change pet water bowls and bird bath water every 3 days — mosquitoes complete the larval cycle in 7–10 days
03
Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) dunks or granules to standing water that cannot be eliminated
04
Keep pool water circulating and properly chlorinated
05
Install or repair window and door screens
06
Use outdoor fans — mosquitoes are poor flyers and even mild airflow disrupts them

When to Call a Professional

When mosquito pressure significantly limits outdoor use of the property. When standing water sources cannot be eliminated (pond, irrigation storage). For yard treatment as part of event preparation or ongoing seasonal management.

Call (831) 500-1613 Request a Free Inspection

Service available in:

Monterey CountySan Benito CountySanta Cruz CountySanta Clara County

Common Questions

Mosquitoes FAQs

Do mosquito traps work?

CO2-baited mosquito traps (like Mosquito Magnet) can capture significant numbers of mosquitoes near the trap, but studies show they do not substantially reduce mosquito populations at a property level in most conditions. They are a supplemental tool, not a primary control method. Source elimination and targeted larvicide treatment of breeding water are far more effective.

Professional Treatment

Ready to Address Your Mosquitoes Problem?

Our licensed technicians serve Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties. Free inspection, written estimate, no obligation.

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