Mosquito Abatement
The Uninvited Guests: Managing Mosquito Populations Outdoors
Call in the Professionals
You may think a few mosquitoes buzzing around your property are just a summer nuisance, but a real infestation is a different problem entirely. Mosquitoes breed fast, travel far, and only need a small amount of standing water to multiply into the hundreds. Sprague has the knowledge and tools to identify breeding sites on your property, determine the species involved, and build a treatment plan that reduces populations and keeps them from coming back.
Key Risks
Mosquitoes can multiply from a few breeding sites into a major infestation within days.
Mosquitoes can multiply from a few breeding sites into a major infestation within days.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases
Types of Mosquitoes
There are dozens of mosquito species across the country, below are some of the most common found in the Western United States:
- Northern house mosquito: The most common urban mosquito species in the region, this brown, unremarkable-looking mosquito breeds prolifically in artificial containers, storm drains, and neglected pools. It’s active from late spring through early fall and is a known carrier of West Nile virus.
- Western encephalitis mosquito: Found throughout agricultural and irrigated areas, this species lays its eggs in rafts on the surface of permanent or semi-permanent water. It is one of the two most common mosquitoes found across Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest.
- Western tree hole mosquito: True to its name, this species breeds in natural tree holes within oak and mixed deciduous forests, as well as in artificial containers with organic debris like leaf litter. It’s common from Southern California up through the Pacific Northwest.
- Asian tiger mosquito: Recognizable by its black-and-white striped legs, this aggressive daytime biter prefers small containers like tires, buckets, and flowerpots for breeding and is expanding its range across parts of the western U.S.
- Aedes species (floodwater mosquitoes): These mosquitoes lay drought-resistant eggs in low-lying areas that flood after rain or irrigation, allowing populations to explode seasonally in agricultural and floodplain regions.
Did you know?
Sprague Solutions
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Source Reduction
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The single most effective way to control mosquitoes is eliminating the standing water they need to breed. Our specialists inspect your property for containers, drainage issues, and other water sources and recommend changes that cut off the problem at the source.
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Larviciding
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For water sources that can’t be removed, such as ponds or drainage features, larvicides can be applied to stop mosquito larvae from developing into biting adults before they ever leave the water.
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Adulticiding / Perimeter Treatment
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A seasonal barrier spray applied to vegetation and resting areas around a property is one of the most effective methods for knocking down adult mosquito populations and preventing them from settling in.
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Monitoring
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Traps and surveillance let our Route Managers track mosquito activity and species over time, so treatment can be adjusted to the specific pressure your property is facing.
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Exclusion
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Simple changes, like repairing screens and sealing gaps around doors and windows, keep mosquitoes from moving from outdoor breeding areas into occupied spaces.
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Sanitation
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Removing debris, clearing gutters, and managing vegetation reduces the shaded, moist resting spots mosquitoes rely on between feedings.
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Third Party Consulting
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Having an expert opinion is critical when guest experience, employee comfort, and your reputation are on the line. For mosquito pressure across a wide range of industries and outdoor spaces, Sprague’s got it covered.
