According to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, the number of mean “ankle biters” in the area is growing. The Aedes mosquito is an invasive species of black-and-white bug that is spreading quickly across the State. They say the bugs bite all day and are breeding more of them. Mosquitoes can only lay their eggs in warm weather and still water.
Residents must do their part to get rid of standing water on their homes to help keep these ankle biters and other types of mosquitoes away. It only takes a capful of water to make hundreds of bugs.
To help lower your risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes, remember to take these steps:
- At least once a week, empty and drain any containers that are full of water.
- Every week, scrub and clean bird baths and cat water bowls.
- Drain the water from plant saucers in pots.
- Plant roots that are rooted in water should not be moved or shared.
- To get rid of standing water, drill a hole or puncture objects.
- Before going outside, put mosquito repellent on any skin that will be visible. Reapply as directed.
- Wear bug spray with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus in it.
- To keep mosquitoes out of your home or place, close all doors and windows that don’t have screens on them. fix screens that are cracked or broken
- Wear shirts with long sleeves and pants that are long, and choose clothes that are lighter in color.
Why Do Ankle Biters Bite Ankles?
There have always been mosquitoes in Santa Clarita, but they’ve gotten worse over the last few years. The Aedes Mosquito, a type of mosquito that is not native to California, came there around 2011. Since then, it has been a nightmare for outdoor events.
These annoying mosquitoes usually eat during the day and are often called “Ankle Biters.” If you don’t scratch their bites, they will go away pretty quickly. The bites look like mosquito bites: flat, swollen welts that are very itchy.
You might think that any bug that bites your legs is an Ankle Biter. Ankle Biters, on the other hand, are generally talking about a certain kind of mosquito that is known for biting people several times on the lower leg. They aim for our knees and feet since we are less likely to hit them.
Ankle Biters sometimes bite people while they’re on their land. This could mean that a group of mosquitoes has set up home in your shady yard. It’s best to get rid of them right away so they don’t come back.
How To Get Rid Of No-See-Ums & Ankle Biters
Bug spray can help you stay away from No-See-Um and bug bites… Getting rid of bug bites is only half the fight, though. Don’t worry if you’ve seen No-See-Ums or Ankle Biters on your land; you don’t have to live with them. You own this house, so take it back!
Because No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters are moving insects, they can’t be controlled in large areas. There are some things you can do, though, to keep them from coming into or near your home as much as possible.
Home Remedies For No-See-Ums And Ankle Biters:
- Before going outside, put bug spray on any skin that will be visible.
- There are a lot of No-See-Ums outside at dawn and dusk, so stay inside during those times.
- Put insect screens on your doors and windows that are smaller than 16-mesh insect wire.
- No-See-Ums are bad at flying and don’t have a lot of energy, so use ceiling and portable fans to help get rid of them inside.
Eliminate Standing Water Sources Inside & Outside Your Home:
- Dump and drain containers filled with water.
- Watch out for flowerpot saucers and plants that can hold water, like bamboo and bromeliads.
- Plant roots that are rooted in water should not be shared or moved.
- At least once a week, scrub bird baths and pet water bowls clean.
- Fill in any cracks around your sink that let water gather.